Arabic version: تفشي فيروس هانتا على متن سفينة سياحية يثير مخاوف من انتقال العدوى بين البشر

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported suspected human-to-human transmission of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, where seven cases have been confirmed or suspected, resulting in three fatalities. According to ABC News, the outbreak has raised alarms, although the WHO states that the public risk remains low.

The confirmed cases involve two passengers who contracted hantavirus, while five others are suspected cases. Among the deceased are a Dutch couple and a German national, with a British national currently in intensive care in South Africa. Approximately 150 passengers are currently on the Hondius, which was on an expedition cruise that began in Argentina and included stops at remote locations like the Antarctic Peninsula.

Authorities in Cape Verde have prevented the Hondius from docking as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, Spanish officials are deliberating whether to permit the ship to dock for further assessments. Passengers have been advised to stay in their cabins as medical teams evaluate the situation and conduct epidemiological investigations.

Hantavirus is typically transmitted from rodents to humans, but the WHO has noted evidence suggesting that this outbreak may include limited human-to-human transmission. The first reported death occurred on April 11, with the deceased’s wife later succumbing to the virus after exhibiting symptoms during her flight back to South Africa. Contact tracing efforts are being implemented for passengers involved in the incident.