The World Health Organization has confirmed eight Andes hantavirus infections linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, where 11 cases and three deaths have been reported among passengers.
The WHO said eight cases were laboratory-confirmed as Andes virus infections, two were classified as probable and one remains inconclusive while undergoing additional testing. The outbreak involves passengers aboard the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, which departed Argentina on April 1.
“Eight cases were laboratory-confirmed for Andes virus (ANDV) infection, two are probable, and one case remains inconclusive and undergoing further testing,” the WHO said.
Three people connected to the ship have died. Two deaths were confirmed as Andes virus infections, while one was classified as probable.
Andes virus can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, chills, fever, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The disease may later progress to respiratory distress and low blood pressure.
Hantavirus commonly spreads through contact with the urine, feces or saliva of infected rodents, or through contaminated surfaces. The Andes strain is the only hantavirus known to spread between humans, though authorities say this usually requires prolonged close contact.
The source of the outbreak remains under investigation. WHO’s working theory is that the first case contracted the infection before boarding through land exposure. Evidence also points to later human-to-human transmission onboard the vessel.
The first identified case involved a 70-year-old Dutch man who began experiencing symptoms on April 6. Symptoms usually appear one to six weeks after exposure, although they can emerge as late as eight weeks later.
The inconclusive case involves an American passenger repatriated to the United States who remains asymptomatic after receiving one positive and one negative test result.
WHO assessed the risk as moderate for individuals aboard the MV Hondius and low at the global level. No approved specific antiviral treatment currently exists, making early detection, isolation, supportive care and contact tracing critical.
