Three passengers connected to the hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius have either tested positive for the virus or developed symptoms after being evacuated from the vessel, according to international health officials monitoring the growing situation.
Authorities confirmed that one American passenger tested mildly positive for hantavirus after being transported back to the United States, while another American passenger developed mild symptoms during a return flight home. A French passenger also tested positive for the virus after evacuation and was later hospitalized in serious condition.
The outbreak has triggered a large international response involving multiple governments and health agencies as officials work to monitor and quarantine passengers who were aboard the expedition cruise ship. The vessel had been traveling near South America before several passengers became ill. Health experts believe the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is considered the only hantavirus strain known to spread from person to person under certain circumstances.
The World Health Organization said at least seven confirmed cases linked to the cruise ship have now been identified, while the total number of suspected or confirmed cases has climbed to nine. Three people have died during the outbreak, including a Dutch couple and a German passenger. Investigators believe one of the earliest infected passengers may have contracted the virus in Argentina before boarding the ship.
The American passengers were among 17 U.S. citizens evacuated from the ship and transported to specialized quarantine and treatment facilities in the United States. Health officials said the individuals are being monitored closely because hantavirus symptoms can take weeks to appear after exposure.
According to health authorities, the infected American passenger who tested positive has not shown symptoms despite the positive result. Another U.S. passenger reportedly experienced mild symptoms during the evacuation flight home, prompting additional monitoring by medical personnel.
French officials confirmed that a woman who was repatriated from the ship tested positive after returning to France. Authorities said her condition later worsened, leading to stricter hospital isolation and treatment measures. France has also begun tracing passengers and contacts who may have been exposed to the virus during the voyage.
The outbreak has forced countries around the world to coordinate large-scale repatriation efforts involving more than 100 passengers and crew members from dozens of nations. Spain, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries have all participated in evacuation and quarantine operations tied to the ship.
Passengers evacuated from the vessel have reportedly been placed under observation periods lasting up to 42 to 45 days because of the virus’s incubation window. Health experts say hantavirus symptoms can initially resemble the flu before progressing into severe respiratory complications in serious cases.
Despite the growing number of infections, health agencies continue emphasizing that the overall public risk remains low. Officials said person-to-person transmission involving the Andes strain is still considered rare, though authorities are taking extensive precautions because of the confined cruise ship environment and the seriousness of several cases.
The MV Hondius eventually arrived near Spain’s Canary Islands, where additional evacuations and medical screenings were carried out. After most passengers were removed, the ship continued toward the Netherlands with a reduced crew remaining onboard.
Health officials worldwide are continuing contact tracing efforts while monitoring passengers who may have disembarked from the cruise ship earlier in the voyage before the outbreak was fully recognized. Investigators are still working to determine exactly how the outbreak began and whether environmental contamination aboard the vessel contributed to the spread.
Source: AZFamily
