Three dead and several ill as MV Hondius expedition turns into medical emergency; Spain prepares to receive the vessel in Canary Islands.
GENEVA / MADRID – Health authorities have confirmed that the rare “Andes” strain of hantavirus (ANDV) is responsible for a deadly outbreak aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently monitoring the situation for potential human-to-human transmission, a rare characteristic specific to this particular strain.
The outbreak has claimed three lives so far, with at least four others falling ill. Among the deceased are a Dutch couple and a German national. A British passenger remains in critical condition at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, after being medically evacuated.
The ‘Andes’ Strain: A Rare Exception
Hantaviruses are typically zoonotic, meaning they spread from rodents to humans via contact with infected droppings, urine, or saliva. However, the Andes strain, endemic to South America, is the only known variant capable of limited person-to-person spread.
“Our assumption is that the initial cases were infected off the ship, likely before boarding in Argentina,” stated Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness. “However, we are investigating limited human-to-human transmission among close contacts aboard the vessel, which can occur during prolonged, intimate exposure.”
Global Response and Medical Evacuations
The MV Hondius, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde. While local authorities initially refused to let the ship dock, a coordinated international response is underway:
- Genetic Sequencing: Samples are being analyzed by specialist laboratories in South Africa and the Institut Pasteur in Senegal to map the transmission chain.
- Spain’s Role: The Spanish Health Ministry confirmed it will receive the ship in the Canary Islands this weekend, citing a “moral and legal obligation.”
- Repatriation: Upon arrival in Spain, all 147 passengers and crew will undergo medical examinations and be repatriated using specialized transport to prevent any contact with the local population.
Symptoms and Risks
The Andes strain causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness. Symptoms begin with fever and fatigue but can rapidly progress to respiratory failure. The mortality rate for HPS is alarmingly high, ranging between 20% and 40%.
Despite the severity, the WHO has assessed the global risk as “low,” emphasizing that there is no evidence of sustained community spread. The long incubation period of up to eight weeks means that contact tracing remains the top priority for health officials.
