An outbreak of hantavirus aboard the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius has so far sickened eight people, killing three of them. Five of these cases are confirmed and three are suspected, and as information about the outbreak unfolds, it’s causing concern, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Outbreak Details and Health Concerns

According to WHO. The hantavirus involved in this outbreak is a rare form known as Andes virus. Maria van Kerkhove. Director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness at the WHO, stated at a May 7 press conference that ‘this is not coronavirus’ and that the outbreak is contained and not likely to spark a pandemic.

The Andes virus can spread from person to person, but only under conditions of close and prolonged contact, such as among household members or during medical care. Tedros Ghebreyesus. WHO’s director-general. Confirmed that this is different from how respiratory viruses like influenza or SARS-CoV-2 spread.

Passenger Evacuation and Repatriation

Passengers and crew from the MV Hondius, which is anchored at Tenerife in the Canary Islands, have begun repatriation; CNN reported that 94 passengers and crew from 19 countries have returned to their home countries. Approximately 150 people of 23 nationalities were aboard the ship.

Spanish health authorities noted that the transfer operation was managed carefully, with military buses transporting evacuees to the airport. The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said the ship will bunker and take on necessary supplies before heading to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Hantavirus Transmission and CDC Policy

Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents, which can cause serious diseases in humans, according to pharmacist Thorrun Govind. The virus is contracted through exposure to rodent urine and droppings, which become airborne when dry. Transmission from person to person is rare, unlike with respiratory viruses like the flu or SARS-CoV-2.

According to the CDC, passengers from the MV Hondius are not being required to isolate at home. This decision is based on the limited transmissibility of the hantavirus and the lack of evidence suggesting a broader public health threat. The CDC emphasized that hantavirus does not spread as easily as other viruses and is not currently a pandemic threat.

Meanwhile, a separate norovirus outbreak has affected more than 100 people aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship, according to the CDC. Norovirus is highly contagious and thrives in enclosed spaces. However, it is distinct from hantavirus in its mode of transmission and symptoms.