Passengers aboard the cruise ship affected by the hantavirus outbreak were reassured that the environment was not infectious following the first death. The Dutch vessel MV Hondius informed passengers about the unfortunate incident linked to the outbreak after departing from Argentina a month ago.
The ship’s captain addressed passengers, explaining that a fellow traveler had passed away due to natural causes, assuring everyone that the issues were not infectious. Despite the sad circumstances affecting their operations, the staff confirmed the ship’s safety and pledged to continue operating in a secure and respectful manner.
Currently stranded near Cape Verde with approximately 150 passengers from 23 countries on board, health officials are conducting tests to assess the spread of the hantavirus. Three passengers showing symptoms were evacuated for treatment in the Netherlands, with the World Health Organization stating that the overall public risk remains low.
Authorities are monitoring and following up on passengers, both on board and who have disembarked. Although there were discussions about the ship sailing to the Canary Islands, there was opposition from the president of the islands, citing insufficient information and technical criteria for the decision.
Hantavirus, a group of viruses carried by rodents, can be transmitted person-to-person in rare cases, particularly with the Andes virus strain identified on the cruise ship. Health officials in the UK explained that infections typically occur through inhaling contaminated air or direct contact with infected rodent materials. Close contact is necessary for person-to-person transmission in specific strains.
