The recent outbreak of a rare hantavirus on a cruise ship traveling from Argentina to Antarctica has raised considerable alarm. Over the course of several weeks, passengers experienced serious illness, culminating in a tragic loss of life. This incident underscores the importance of understanding and tracking diseases that can arise in remote travel settings.
What happened on the ship
Oceanwide Expeditions, the Dutch company that operates the MV Hondius, offers “expedition cruises” that involve trips to the Antarctic and several islands in the South Atlantic to see some of the remotest places on Earth.
The cruises can last a month or more and cost between $6,000 and $25,000, depending on the cabin.
The Hondius set off from southern Argentina on April 1.
On April 6, a 70-year-old Dutch man fell ill with fever, headache, and diarrhea, according to the WHO. He died on board on April 11, after developing respiratory distress. The ship was between the British island territories of South Georgia and St. Helena at that time, as per data from MarineTraffic. The cause of death could not be determined by Oceanwide Expeditions.
The ship continued its journey for nearly two weeks, stopping near the island of Tristan da Cunha before reaching St. Helena, where the Dutch man’s body was removed on April 24. His 69-year-old wife disembarked as well.
The woman, who was already showing symptoms, grew sicker during an April 25 flight to South Africa and collapsed at an airport there. She passed away at a hospital on April 26, according to WHO.
Another passenger, who also left the ship in St. Helena, tested positive for the virus in Switzerland, though the details surrounding his movements post-disembarkation are unclear.
A British man became ill after the ship departed St. Helena, while on its way to Ascension Island, approximately 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) north. He exhibited high fever, shortness of breath, and signs of pneumonia, leading to his evacuation to South Africa on April 27, where he is currently in intensive care.
The third fatality, a German woman, died aboard the ship on a voyage to Cape Verde, just four days after falling ill and also displaying pneumonia-like symptoms, which can result from hantavirus. Her body remains on the ship.
When authorities first knew hantavirus was on the ship
Hantaviruses exist throughout the world and are spread mainly by contact with rodents. It’s rare and not easy for a hantavirus to spread between people. In severe cases, the virus can cause a deadly lung infection or kidney failure.
Health officials in South Africa began testing the British man in intensive care for hantavirus after other tests returned negative results. A positive hantavirus test result was confirmed on Saturday, 21 days after the first passenger’s death.
On Sunday, the WHO announced it was investigating a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the ship, which had by then reached Cape Verde waters.
The positive test of the British man led South African health authorities to test the Dutch woman’s body, with positive results reported the following Monday.
Swiss authorities also communicated the positive test result for the man in Switzerland by Wednesday, prompting immediate contact tracing.
The plan for the people still on board
After remaining off Cape Verde for three days, the ship proceeded to the Canary Islands, where Spain agreed to accept it. The passengers and crew come from various countries, including Britain, the United States, Spain, Germany, and several others.
Passengers and crew are being isolated in their cabins, adhering to “physical distancing” protocols, reminiscent of measures from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the WHO.
The source of the infections
The WHO is investigating how a virus that is relatively rare among humans could have made its way onto the cruise ship. The Argentine government speculates that the Dutch couple who fell ill may have contracted the virus while bird-watching in Ushuaia before boarding the vessel, based on statements from two investigators who requested anonymity as the investigation is ongoing.
Key Takeaways
- A hantavirus outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius following its departure from Argentina.
- Three passengers have died, and additional confirmed cases have emerged in South Africa and Switzerland.
- Health authorities are actively tracing contacts of those who fell ill.
- The source of the outbreak is still under investigation.
- Precautionary measures include isolating remaining passengers and crew aboard the ship.
FAQ
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a viral infection mainly spread by contact with rodents; it is relatively rare among humans.
How is hantavirus spread?
The virus typically spreads through inhaling contaminated rodent droppings, although person-to-person transmission is rare.
What symptoms are associated with hantavirus?
Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, and in severe cases, respiratory distress or kidney failure.
This incident highlights the need for vigilance in addressing potential health risks on international travel, especially in remote and unmonitored areas. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the trail of this outbreak and implement preventive measures.
