Hantavirus Cruise Ship: Singaporeans Test Negative

Two Singaporean nationals who were aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship have tested negative for hantavirus. The Communicable Diseases Agency confirmed that laboratory tests on samples from the two men, aged 67 and 65, did not detect the virus. These individuals had been isolated at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases after their return.

As a precaution, the Singaporeans will undergo a 30-day quarantine from their last potential exposure, followed by continued monitoring. The agency stated that the risk to the general public in Singapore remains low. The MV Hondius outbreak has led to three fatalities, including a Dutch couple and a German national, with five confirmed and three suspected cases reported.

Globally, countries are working to trace passengers and crew to prevent further spread. The World Health Organization is conducting investigations and laboratory testing to understand the virus's transmission. Hantavirus is typically spread through rodent droppings and rarely passes between humans.

Meanwhile, the MV Hondius is en route to the Canary Islands, where over 140 passengers and crew will be evacuated under strict isolation protocols. Both the UK and the US are arranging flights to bring their citizens home from the ship.