Authorities are swiftly working to identify and locate individuals who had close contact with the cruise ship involved in an outbreak of a rat-borne disease, following a confirmed case in Switzerland.
Approximately 150 passengers from 23 different countries were onboard the MV Hondius liner, which has been stranded at sea with three reported deaths. Among the deceased were a 70-year-old Dutch man and his 69-year-old wife, who both succumbed to the illness. An additional fatality was a German woman, while a British passenger was airlifted to South Africa in critical condition.
Health specialists have determined that the hantavirus strain responsible for the outbreak is the Andes variety, which typically spreads through proximity to infected individuals.
A Dutch man passed away on April 11 aboard the ship, and his wife deteriorated rapidly during transit to South Africa, where she died on April 26. Subsequent tests confirmed her infection with the virus on May 4.
Swiss health authorities disclosed a hantavirus case on May 7, involving a former passenger of the cruise liner who sought medical attention in Zurich.
The World Health Organization is collaborating with various nations to conduct contact tracing efforts in order to contain the spread of the virus.
Hantavirus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents and their excretions. The virus can be contracted by inhaling particles from contaminated droppings or through direct contact with infected areas. While rare, transmission can also occur via rodent bites.
Three individuals were evacuated from the ship and transported to The Netherlands for medical treatment, including British guide Martin Anstee.
Passengers who disembarked early in three U.S. states—Georgia, California, and Arizona—are under observation for potential hantavirus infections.
The cruise ship was stranded off the coast of Cape Verde for three days before being denied entry, eventually being permitted to dock in the Canary Islands by Spain due to logistical reasons. However, the president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, opposed the decision to allow the ship to dock.
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