Madrid: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Tuesday that there is currently no indication that the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship will escalate significantly, though the possibility of additional infections among passengers remains.
According to Anadolu Agency, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that 11 suspected cases have been associated with the outbreak on the Dutch-flagged expedition cruise ship, with nine cases already confirmed and two others likely to test positive. During a joint news conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, Tedros stated that all suspected and confirmed cases have been isolated and are under medical supervision.
Tedros highlighted that the WHO sought Spain’s assistance as the situation exceeded the response capabilities of Cabo Verde, the nearest country, when the outbreak was identified in the Atlantic Ocean. Sanchez described the international evacuation and quarantine operation as successful, noting that over 120 people of various nationalities were repatriated through 10 special flights without any incidents.
The outbreak on the MV Hondius has resulted in the deaths of three passengers since late April. The cruise ship docked in Spain’s Canary Islands on Sunday, where passengers were evacuated under a multinational operation coordinated by Spain, the WHO, and the European Union. The WHO has recommended a strict 42-day quarantine period starting May 10 and lasting until June 21 for all passengers and their close contacts.
In the Netherlands, Radboud University Medical Centre (Radboudumc) confirmed that 12 healthcare workers failed to adhere to strict protocols while treating a patient who had been aboard the ship, necessitating their quarantine. Meanwhile, Spanish health authorities reported that one Spanish passenger quarantined in Madrid developed mild fever and respiratory symptoms after testing provisionally positive for hantavirus. The passenger remains in stable condition without signs of clinical deterioration.
Hantavirus is a rare disease typically transmitted through infected rodents or their droppings, although the strain involved in this outbreak can also spread between humans. The disease has a fatality rate of 40-50%, according to the WHO, and poses a significant threat to elderly individuals or those with pre-existing health conditions.