Hantavirus fatalities on cruise ship: WHO investigates mode of transmission

The World Health Organization is investigating the possibility of human-to-human transmission of hantavirus following an outbreak of the infection on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. This was reported by Euronews. Nevertheless, the risk to the population in Europe remains very low, health authorities confirmed.

To date, seven cases have been identified on board, including three fatalities, one patient in critical condition, and three with mild symptoms. The origin of the infection has not yet been clarified, but experts do not rule out limited human-to-human transmission through close contact.

“We believe there may be some human-to-human transmission, especially in very close contacts – spouses or people sharing a cabin,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention.

Spain is also joining the investigation. The country’s Ministry of Health will send a team of epidemiologists on board to screen passengers for symptoms and assess the risk. Actions are being coordinated with the WHO and will assist in decisions regarding evacuation and the ship’s further itinerary.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control emphasizes that the risk of widespread transmission in Europe is “very low,” as infection control measures are being applied and most hantaviruses do not transmit easily between humans.

The only exception is the so-called Andes virus, prevalent in parts of South America, where human-to-human transmission has been proven during prolonged and close contact. It is currently unclear whether the present outbreak is linked to this variant.

What is hantavirus?

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents. Infection most commonly occurs through the inhalation of particles from dried feces, urine, or saliva of infected animals that become airborne.

The infection can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which begins with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, chills, fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal complaints. At a later stage, severe respiratory distress and a drop in blood pressure may develop.

According to the WHO, symptoms usually appear between two and four weeks after infection, but can manifest as early as one week or up to eight weeks later.

Where is the ship located?

The cruise ship m/v Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde. There are 149 people on board.

Local authorities have refused to allow passengers to disembark. The company reports that the situation on the ship remains calm.

Two crew members have developed acute respiratory symptoms – one in severe form – and require urgent medical attention. A medical evacuation is being prepared, including for an individual associated with one of the deceased passengers.

There are currently no new symptomatic cases.

Possible options being discussed include the ship proceeding to Las Palmas or Tenerife in the Canary Islands while the investigation continues.