Seven Hantavirus Cases Linked to Cruise Ship Outbreak Involving US and French Nationals
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Seven Hantavirus Cases Linked to Cruise Ship Outbreak Involving US and French Nationals
- WHO confirmed seven hantavirus cases connected to the MV Hondius ship, with two additional suspected infections reported on Monday.
- An American national arrived in Nebraska and a French woman is isolating in Paris after testing positive following repatriation from the ship.
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Two nationals from the US and France have tested positive for hantavirus disembarking from the MV Hond cruise ship, which experienced a deadly outbreak during its voyage in Antarctica. The World Health Organization announced on Monday that seven cases are now confirmed in total, with two more under suspicion, marking a significant public health concern tied to the vessel’s operations.
The outbreak emerged on the MV Hondius, a ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions that specializes in polar cruises. Hantavirus, typically spread through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, has caused at least one fatality in this cluster, prompting swift international response. Passengers and crew were evacuated, with repatriation flights arranged to return individuals to their home countries.
Health authorities in the US reported that the confirmed American case involved a passenger who landed in Nebraska, where they are under medical monitoring. A second US national on the same flight exhibited mild symptoms but has not yet tested positive. In France, the affected woman is isolating in Paris under guidance from national health officials.
The WHO emphasized enhanced surveillance and contact tracing to prevent further spread, noting that hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can be severe, with fatality rates around 38% in the Americas according to historical data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Investigations point to potential rodent infestations on the ship as the source, a known risk for vessels traveling to remote areas like Antarctica. No new cases have been reported from the ship itself since the evacuation, but global health bodies continue to track developments as of early this week.