The World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating an international response following a cluster of hantavirus cases linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. The outbreak has resulted in three deaths and raised concerns due to the specific strain of the virus involved.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday briefed the media on a cluster of hantavirus cases linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, saying that eight cases have been reported so far, including three deaths.
According to WHO, five of the eight reported cases have been confirmed as hantavirus infections. Officials identified the virus involved as the Andes virus — the only hantavirus species known to allow limited human-to-human transmission through close and prolonged contact.
Describing the incident as serious but contained, Dr Tedros said WHO currently assesses the overall public health risk as low. However, he cautioned that additional infections could still emerge due to the virus’s incubation period.
“While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low,” Dr Tedros said, adding that “it’s possible that more cases may be reported.”
WHO said it is coordinating closely with several countries under the International Health Regulations (IHR), the global framework that governs international responses to public health emergencies.
“This event demonstrates why the IHR exist, demonstrating the importance of global cooperation and solidarity in responding to health threats that know no borders,” Dr Tedros stated.
The WHO chief said the organization’s immediate priorities are ensuring medical care for affected patients, protecting passengers and crew still aboard the vessel, and preventing any further spread of the virus.
Since being notified of the situation on Saturday, May 2, WHO has launched multiple response measures. These include deploying an expert onboard the ship to conduct a comprehensive medical assessment of passengers and crew and gather data to evaluate infection risks.
WHO has also arranged the shipment of 2,500 diagnostic kits from Argentina to laboratories across five countries to strengthen testing capacity, he said.
In addition, the organization is preparing operational guidance for the safe and respectful disembarkation and onward travel of passengers and crew once the ship arrives at port, he said.