Hantavirus: One Greek passenger among cruise ship travelers – Cases rise

A serious health incident continues to unfold aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, as the number of hantavirus cases has risen to seven. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), three people have died, while one patient remains in critical condition.

At the same time, of the seven reported cases, two have been laboratory confirmed, while the remaining cases are still under investigation, as authorities examine whether they are linked.

The cruise ship, which departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, remains anchored off Cape Verde, after local authorities decided not to allow passengers to disembark for public health reasons. Around 150 passengers from more than 20 countries are on board, including one Greek national.

Reports indicate that most passengers remain calm, while the situation is said to be under control.

A Dutch couple and a German passenger are among those who have died. However, it has not yet been confirmed that all deaths are directly linked to hantavirus. Meanwhile, a 69-year-old British man is in critical but stable condition in a hospital in South Africa, with a confirmed infection of a strain of the virus. Two crew members are also showing acute respiratory symptoms and require urgent medical attention, although the cause has not yet been confirmed.

The origin of the outbreak remains unclear, raising concern among experts, as hantavirus is typically transmitted from rodents to humans and not between people. No evidence of rodents has been found on board. Specialists are investigating several possible scenarios to determine the source.

Authorities are also planning medical evacuations using specialized aircraft, while the possibility of relocating the vessel to the Canary Islands is being considered, where passengers would disembark and undergo further medical screening. The World Health Organization is closely monitoring the situation and cooperating with local authorities on epidemiological investigations.

Although the situation remains serious, health officials and the WHO stress that the risk to the general public is low, as the virus does not spread easily between humans. Therefore, no travel restrictions are considered necessary at this stage.

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses mainly transmitted from rodents to humans.

Humans can become infected through contact with infected wild rodents such as mice or rats. A bite, direct contact, or inhalation of contaminated dust from rodent droppings can cause infection.

There are multiple types of hantavirus, varying by geographic distribution and clinical presentation. The virus is not easily transmitted from person to person, with only rare exceptions in specific strains.

According to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), “only one type of the virus, which is extremely rare, can be transmitted from person to person.”

“Although rare, hantavirus can be transmitted from person to person and cause severe respiratory disease. Close patient monitoring and appropriate supportive care are required,” the WHO noted.

Symptoms and progression

The infection often begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, and headache. Early diagnosis is difficult because it resembles influenza.

As the disease progresses, it can become life-threatening. In severe cases, fluid builds up in the lungs, causing chest tightness and respiratory failure.

There are two main syndromes caused by hantavirus: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, both of which can develop rapidly after exposure.

Mortality rates vary depending on the strain. Pulmonary syndrome has a mortality rate of around 35%, while hemorrhagic fever ranges from 1% to 15%, according to the CDC.

No specific treatment available

There is currently no specific cure for hantavirus, but early medical intervention significantly improves survival chances.

Researchers continue to study the disease, as many questions remain unanswered regarding why symptoms vary in severity and how immunity develops. Long-term patient monitoring is ongoing in search of effective treatments.

Prevention focuses on avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings. Experts recommend using gloves and disinfectants such as bleach for cleaning contaminated areas, and avoiding sweeping or vacuuming, which can spread particles into the air.