A contained hantavirus outbreak, and lessons for the world

As of last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed five hantavirus infections, including three deaths, linked to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, which sailed from Argentina on April 1 en route to Cabo Verde in West Africa.

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The WHO was first notified of the suspected cases on May 2.Noting that the incubation period for hantavirus infection typically ranges from one to eight weeks, the agency said additional cases may still be reported. The virus involved has been identified as the Andes variant, the only hantavirus species known to be capable of limited person-to-person transmission, usually associated with close and prolonged contact.

While acknowledging the cluster of cases as a serious incident, global health authorities assured the public that the outbreak is unlikely to spark a pandemic and that the overall public health risk remains low. “This is not coronavirus, and not the start of a COVID pandemic,” said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of the WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management.

The WHO has deployed an expert on board the ship to support a comprehensive medical assessment of passengers and crew, while gathering critical information to evaluate potential exposure risks. The mission is being supported by physicians from the Netherlands and an expert from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Department of Health (DoH) has likewise reported that none of the 38 Filipino crew members aboard the ship is exhibiting symptoms of hantavirus infection.

The WHO also arranged the shipment of 2,500 diagnostic kits from Argentina to laboratories in five countries to strengthen their testing capacity. It is developing operational guidance for the safe and respectful disembarkation and onward travel of passengers and crew upon arrival. The priorities are clear, and these are to ensure that affected patients receive appropriate care, protect remaining passengers and crew, and prevent any further spread of infection.