The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, where three passengers have died, may have been transmitted between humans. The virus is typically spread by rodents, but WHO official Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove said transmission among "really close contacts" aboard the ship was possible, though rare and posing low public risk.
"Some people on the ship were couples, they were sharing rooms, so that's quite intimate contact," Van Kerkhove said. She added that the first person to fall ill may have contracted the virus before boarding.
The ship's operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, reports that 149 people from 23 countries remain on board under "strict precautionary measures." The vessel has been anchored off the coast of Cape Verde since May 8. Seven cases have been identified: two confirmed and five suspected.
Among the deceased are a Dutch married couple; the wife tested positive for hantavirus. The cause of the husband's death is still unknown. Another victim, a German national, died on May 2. A 69-year-old British passenger evacuated to South Africa has also been confirmed with the virus.
The Dutch couple's family said: "The beautiful journey they experienced together was abruptly and permanently cut short. We are still unable to comprehend that we have lost them."
The WHO suspects the Andes strain of the virus, common in South America where the cruise began. No rats were found on board, according to reports. Disinfection is ongoing, and those with symptoms or caring for patients are using full personal protective equipment.
The top priority is treating two crew members—a Dutch and a British national—with respiratory symptoms. They are scheduled for medical evacuation by aircraft to the Netherlands, along with a person associated with the deceased German.
The WHO says Spain has granted permission for the ship to dock in the Canary Islands, but Spain's health ministry denied this, stating that a decision will be made after epidemiological data is collected. A ministry spokesperson told the BBC that no request has been received yet, but authorities are prepared to take charge if needed.
A passenger on board told the BBC the mood is "pretty good," adding: "Hopefully the other patients on board will be tested soon and then we'll know what's going on." Travel vlogger Jake Rosmarin said: "There's a lot of uncertainty, and that's the hardest part. All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home."
Source: www.bbc.com