WHO says hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship unlikely to become significantly larger
The World Health Organization said there is no indication the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius will become significantly larger, though additional infections remain possible. Eleven suspected cases have been linked to the outbreak, with nine confirmed, and a 42-day quarantine is recommended.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday there is currently no indication that the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship will become significantly larger, although additional infections among passengers remain possible. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said 11 suspected cases have been linked to the outbreak aboard the Dutch-flagged expedition cruise ship, with nine already confirmed and two others likely to test positive.
International response
Tedros said in a joint news conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid that all suspected and confirmed cases have been isolated and are being managed under medical supervision. He said the WHO requested Spain's assistance because the situation had "exceeded" the response capacity of Cabo Verde, the nearest country, when the outbreak was detected in the Atlantic Ocean.
Spanish role
Sanchez described the international evacuation and quarantine operation as "a success," saying more than 120 people of various nationalities had been repatriated through 10 special flights "with zero incidents." "This world does not need more selfishness or more fear. What it needs are countries willing to step forward in solidarity," he said.
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Quarantine measures
The WHO recommends a strict 42-day quarantine period beginning May 10 until June 21 for all passengers and close contacts. In the Netherlands, 12 healthcare workers who failed to follow strict protocols when working with a patient from the ship will also have to quarantine. A Spanish passenger quarantined in Madrid has developed mild symptoms after testing provisionally positive.
Virus background
The outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has killed three passengers since late April. Hantavirus is a rare disease usually transmitted through infected rodents, though the Andes strain involved can spread between humans. Its fatality rate can reach 40-50%, especially among elderly individuals or those with co-morbidities.
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