The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating cases of hantavirus identified aboard the cruise liner MV Hondius<\/b> off the coast of West Africa. Specialists are focusing on the potential for person-to-person transmission<\/b>. Traditionally, this infection is primarily spread through contact with infected rodents (including their urine, feces, or saliva). However, following the deaths of three individuals and the onset of symptoms in several others, the WHO is examining this secondary transmission route as a precautionary measure.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that some of the infected individuals had close contact with one another. Consequently, we cannot entirely rule out human-to-human transmission and are proceeding with this assumption out of an abundance of caution,\u201d explained Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove<\/b>, WHO Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Prevention. She emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, as the virus does not spread as rapidly as influenza or COVID-19.<\/p>\n
The first suspected case was recorded on April 11<\/b>, when a 70-year-old Dutch man died on board after exhibiting acute symptoms. His 69-year-old wife later passed away in a hospital, where a variant of hantavirus was confirmed by a South African clinic. The third fatality, a German citizen, occurred on the ship on May 2<\/b>. In total, seven cases have been identified on the liner, two of which are currently laboratory-confirmed.<\/p>\n
Approximately 150 passengers and crew members<\/b> remain on the cruise ship, which is currently near Cape Verde. The immediate priority for authorities is the medical evacuation of two crew members exhibiting respiratory symptoms. Two specialized aircraft equipped with medical infrastructure have been dispatched for their safe transport.<\/p>\n
Strict hygiene and isolation protocols are being maintained on board for the safety of passengers and personnel. Following the completion of the evacuation process, the vessel is scheduled to head toward the Canary Islands<\/b>, where Spanish health officials will conduct a comprehensive epidemiological investigation and disinfection of the liner. Simultaneously, contact tracing is underway for passengers on a Johannesburg flight<\/b> taken by one of the deceased individuals.<\/p>\n