The World Health Organization (WHO) sees no sign of a large hantavirus outbreak. This comes after the last passengers left a cruise ship. The MV Hondius had an outbreak of the virus. Seven cases are confirmed. Three people have died. Health officials are watching the situation closely.
The WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made the statement. He said the situation could change. Hantavirus has a long incubation period. This means more cases might appear later. The ship's last passengers landed in the Netherlands. They arrived on Tuesday. The ship sailed from Spain's Tenerife island on Monday. It is heading to Rotterdam.
The virus is usually carried by rodents. Human-to-human spread is possible for some types. This might have happened on the ship. Passengers likely contracted it in South America. Symptoms include fever and fatigue. Others are muscle pain and shortness of breath. The WHO previously said the risk of a big outbreak was low. The ship will be cleaned when it reaches Rotterdam. The final six passengers left the ship on Monday. Twelve employees at a Dutch hospital are in quarantine. They treated an evacuated passenger.
The MV Hondius had 147 passengers and crew. They came from 23 countries. The ship left Argentina on April 1. An elderly Dutch man died on April 11. He is thought to be the first infection. His wife died later in South Africa. A German woman died on the ship on May 2. Both women were confirmed cases. Seven cases are now confirmed worldwide. This includes American and French nationals. These individuals tested positive after returning home. Their symptoms were mild or they are improving. Two Britons with confirmed cases are in treatment.
The WHO's monitoring continues. They are working to contain the outbreak. The ship operator, Oceanwide Expedition, is sanitizing the vessel. Discussions are ongoing about arrival procedures. This hantavirus situation highlights global health surveillance needs. It also shows the challenges of managing disease on vessels. Decisions about future travel protocols may be influenced.