Arabic version: تفشي فيروس هانتا على متن سفينة سياحية يثير مخاوف صحية
The MV Hondius cruise ship, currently facing an outbreak of hantavirus, is expected to dock in the Canary Islands by the weekend. Three people confirmed to have the virus have been reported, alongside five suspected cases. Tragically, one passenger has died from the virus, and two additional deaths are under investigation. The Andes strain of hantavirus has been identified in two passengers who were evacuated to South Africa, according to the country’s health minister. According to BBC News, the ship was traveling from Argentina across the Atlantic to Cape Verde when the outbreak occurred.
Hantaviruses encompass a family of viruses primarily associated with rodent transmission, typically through contact with their droppings, urine, or saliva. The Andes virus, which can spread between humans in rare instances, has now been confirmed on the ship. Health experts emphasize the importance of social distancing and infection control measures among passengers and crew to contain the outbreak. Passengers are currently confined to their cabins to limit exposure, with health authorities implementing monitoring and isolation protocols.
The origins of the outbreak remain unclear, but it is suggested that a Dutch couple who died may have contracted the virus during their travels in South America prior to boarding the ship at the beginning of April. The cruise had visited remote wildlife areas, raising the possibility that a passenger encountered the virus during their journey.
Experts maintain that the risk of hantavirus infection for the general population is low, with no evidence of transmission beyond the ship at this time. Hantavirus can lead to severe illnesses such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), both of which require immediate medical attention. Currently, there are no specific treatments or widely available vaccines for hantavirus infections, although early medical support can improve survival rates.