WHO Raises Possibility of Human-to-Human Transmission of Hantavirus on Cruise Ship

Passengers Denied Disembarkation for Public Health Reasons

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the possibility of human-to-human transmission in connection with a hantavirus infection that occurred on a cruise ship sailing across the Atlantic. Passengers have become stranded on board, as disembarkation has been denied for public health reasons.

On the 29th of last month (local time), at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News Agency

According to NBC, Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s head of epidemic response, said during a briefing on the 5th (local time) that "there may have been human-to-human transmission among individuals in very close contact." She explained that it is highly likely the first patient was exposed to the virus before boarding. It was reported that no rats, which are known to be the main carriers of infection, were found on the ship.

Hantavirus is typically transmitted through the excreta or saliva of rodents and, in rare cases, there have been reports of human-to-human transmission. The most common route of infection is inhaling airborne particles of dried rodent excreta.

The vessel in question is the Dutch-flagged cruise ship 'MV Hondius,' which is currently in waters near Cabo Verde, West Africa. There have been 2 confirmed cases and 5 suspected cases identified on this ship. Of these, 3 people have died. The deceased are a Dutch couple in their 70s and a German national; the Dutch couple had reportedly traveled in South America before boarding.

Even after the deaths, about 150 remaining passengers have still not been allowed to disembark. The Cabo Verdean government has denied entry to the ship due to public health concerns and has sent medical staff aboard to respond. Passenger Jake Rosemarin told NBC, "All we want now is to feel safe, receive clear information, and go home."

Initially, the WHO considered moving the vessel to Spain’s Canary Islands for investigation, but the Spanish government stated there would be no need for the ship to dock unless there were further infections. Authorities in the Canary Islands also expressed reluctance to receive the vessel, maintaining that returning it to the Netherlands, where the operating company is based, would be more reasonable.

The Dutch government has begun preparations to transport three patients, and the operating company has sent two special medical aircraft to Cabo Verde. Local authorities also stated that the transfer of patients would take place within a few hours.

Among the seven confirmed and suspected cases, four remain on board, excluding the three deceased and a British patient who is being treated in South Africa. The Dutch female patient’s condition worsened during her flight home and she died in Johannesburg. More than 80 passengers on the same flight have also been placed under monitoring.

This cruise ship departed at the end of March, carrying passengers from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Spain. It reportedly made stops at the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Island. Cabin fees reached as high as 22,000 euros (approximately 37 million won).

However, the WHO stated that the general public risk from hantavirus remains low and that excessive fear is unnecessary. Hantavirus was first identified by the late Dr. Ho Wang Lee of Korea, and its incubation period can last several weeks. Initial symptoms resemble the flu, but if the disease worsens, it can lead to respiratory illness and organ failure. There is no specific cure or treatment, but early medical intervention is known to improve survival rates.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.