Home / Health / Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Sparks Global Alert
Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Sparks Global Alert
8 May
Summary
- Hantavirus confirmed in passengers after ship docked at St. Helena.
- Argentine investigators suspect a Dutch couple may have contracted the virus.
- WHO warns more cases may emerge due to virus incubation period.
A hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship has led to a global health investigation, with authorities actively tracking passengers and crew who disembarked at St. Helena. Netherlands-based Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that no individuals currently on board are exhibiting symptoms, but the situation remains under close observation.
Argentine investigators are focusing on a potential origin point in southern Argentina, suspecting a Dutch couple may have contracted the virus during a birdwatching trip before embarking on the cruise. This couple, along with approximately 30 other passengers, disembarked at St. Helena. Health authorities first confirmed hantavirus in a passenger on May 2, involving a British man evacuated to South Africa.
The World Health Organization is collaborating with Argentinian health authorities to retrace the movements of the initial cases and has facilitated the distribution of 2,500 diagnostic kits to laboratories in five countries. The WHO director-general noted that while the risk to the general public is low, the Andes virus's incubation period of up to six weeks means further cases could emerge.
Nations including South Africa, Singapore, and the Netherlands are involved in tracking passengers. The Netherlands is treating two patients in isolation units, and France confirmed one citizen is being tested. Switzerland also reported a case in an individual who disembarked at St. Helena.
