The hantavirus outbreak in the cruise ship aboard the MV Hondius has been linked to the Andes strain of the virus, which can be transmitted between humans, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO said that as of 13 May, 11 cases had been reported, including three deaths. Of the total, eight cases have been confirmed in laboratories as infected with the Andes strain, two are considered probable, and one remains inconclusive pending further testing.
Two of the eight confirmed cases involve individuals who have already died. The WHO noted that the current case fatality rate stands at 27% in this outbreak.
All confirmed cases were passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. The WHO assessed the risk as “moderate” for passengers and crew, and “low” for the general population.
There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for hantavirus, which can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Quarantine and international monitoring
The hantavirus outbreak has triggered international quarantine measures and medical monitoring of exposed passengers.
Eighteen US nationals who were on board have been repatriated and remain under medical observation in hospitals, mainly in Nebraska and Atlanta.
Six British passengers have been discharged from hospital and are continuing quarantine at home, while others remain asymptomatic under medical care.
Several contacts in Saint Helena and Ascension Island are also under quarantine, with some expected to return to the UK to complete isolation.
Australian authorities confirmed that six passengers will return to Australia and undergo at least three weeks of quarantine upon arrival.
Ongoing investigation into source
The origin of the hantavirus outbreak remains under investigation. The WHO said the first infection likely occurred before the ship departed Argentina on 1 April.
The first reported fatal case, a 70-year-old Dutch passenger, showed symptoms on 6 April. The incubation period for the virus ranges from one to six weeks.
Experts from Argentina’s Malbrán Institute are expected to investigate rodent populations in Tierra del Fuego to identify possible sources of infection.
Andes strain concerns in Latin America
The Andes strain is primarily transmitted through infected rodents and is endemic in parts of Latin America, particularly Argentina and Chile, with cases also reported in Uruguay, southern Brazil and Paraguay.
Authorities continue to investigate the outbreak in coordination with Argentina and Chile.
Also read: France: 1,700 cruise passengers quarantined after passenger death
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