WHO raises global alert as Hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship spreads to 32 countries

The World Health Organization has raised a global health alert following a Hantavirus outbreak linked to an international cruise ship that has now spread across 32 countries, territories and regions.

According to the WHO, the outbreak has so far resulted in three deaths, while 13 confirmed and probable infections have been recorded among passengers and crew members aboard the Netherlands-flagged M/V Hondius cruise vessel.

Health authorities across multiple countries are currently tracing more than 600 contacts connected to the voyage amid concerns that the virus may have spread from person to person onboard the ship.

The WHO disclosed that the outbreak was first detected on May 2 after several passengers developed severe respiratory symptoms during the voyage, with two deaths initially reported and another passenger left critically ill.

Since the agency’s previous update on May 13, additional confirmed cases have emerged in Canada, the Netherlands and Spain following routine monitoring and testing of close contacts.

Investigators believe the index patient may have contracted the virus before boarding the ship through exposure on land. However, preliminary findings now suggest that subsequent transmission likely occurred onboard the vessel.

According to WHO, genetic sequencing carried out on samples from infected individuals showed “near-identical” virus strains, strengthening suspicions of onboard human-to-human transmission.

The M/V Hondius reportedly stopped at several international locations, including Saint Helena, Ascension Island, Cabo Verde and Tenerife, before the outbreak was fully identified, raising fears of wider exposure across multiple countries.

WHO stated that over half of the identified contacts have been classified as high-risk and are currently under quarantine or active health monitoring.

Although the agency assessed the overall global risk as low, it warned that the risk remained moderate for passengers and crew because of the crowded conditions aboard the cruise ship.

The organisation explained that close living quarters, shared indoor spaces and prolonged interpersonal interactions likely increased transmission risks during the voyage.

The outbreak involves the Andes hantavirus, a strain primarily found in parts of Argentina and Chile. The virus is usually transmitted through infected rodents or contaminated surfaces but is also one of the few hantaviruses capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

WHO noted that there is currently no approved antiviral treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the severe respiratory illness associated with the virus.

The agency advised that severe cases may require intensive medical support, including mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

WHO has recommended a 42-day quarantine and active monitoring period for high-risk contacts, while low-risk contacts have been asked to monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if they become ill.

The agency added that investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact mode of transmission, including whether infections spread through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces or airborne particles.