What is Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a rare disease typically caused by contact with infected rodents' urine, feces or saliva. According to WHO's Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, it is not a virus that spreads like flu or COVID and behaves quite differently from those respiratory viruses.
Outbreak on MV Hondius
Seven cases of hantavirus have been identified on the cruise ship MV Hondius, with two confirmed and five suspected. Three people have died—a Dutch couple and a German national. One British national remains in intensive care in South Africa with improving condition. Two other people with hantavirus symptoms remain on board with medical evacuation underway. The ship departed from Ushuaia, Argentina last month and was sailing across the Atlantic Ocean when several passengers fell sick with a rapidly progressing respiratory illness.
Human-to-Human Transmission Suspected
The WHO stated that some human-to-human transmission may have occurred on board the ship between cases that had very close contact with each other, such as married couples. However, health authorities emphasized this does not pose a wider public health risk. Dr. Van Kerkhove said the risk to the general public is low and that any transmission would occur only between very close contacts, not like flu or COVID.
Current Response and Evacuation
Strict health and safety procedures are in place on the ship including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring. Two specialized, medically-equipped aircraft staffed by trained medical crews are conducting evacuations of symptomatic patients. The plan is for the ship to sail to the Canary Islands where Spanish authorities will conduct a full epidemiological investigation and complete disinfection. Social distancing is being followed, meals can be delivered to cabins, and access to outer decks is permitted for fresh air while indoor gatherings are not allowed.
Passenger Experience
Almost 150 people, including 17 Americans, remain stranded on the MV Hondius. Travel vlogger Jake Rosmarin, a passenger on board, described significant fear and uncertainty among those on the ship, saying the situation is very real and that passengers want to feel safe, have clarity and get home. The company stated the atmosphere remains calm and passengers are generally composed. 
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