The HHS (Department of Health & Human Services), the United States’ national health agency, confirmed on Sunday night (10) that a North American citizen who was on board the cruise ship MV Hondius tested positive for hantavirus.
According to the US health authority, after the cruise that had the disease outbreak, all 17 American passengers are currently on a flight to the US and should arrive this Monday morning (11). In addition to the passenger, another American who presented “mild symptoms” travels “in the plane’s biocontainment units out of an abundance of caution.”
In the statement, published on
HHS through and is supporting in the repatriation of 17 American citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship affected by the Andes variant of hantavirus.
All 17 are currently en route via airlift to the United States, with two of the…
— HHS (@HHSGov)
Furthermore, the US National Health Agency says that “upon arrival at each facility, each individual will undergo clinical assessment and receive appropriate care and support based on their condition.”
Groups of passengers and crew to be sent back to their respective countries in a process overseen by global health authorities and expected to last until this Monday.
In addition to the USA, flights to Canada, the Netherlands, Türkiye and the United Kingdom also took place on Sunday.
The last two repatriation flights will depart on Monday afternoon, Spain’s health minister said, adding that 94 passengers have already left.
One flight from Australia will carry six passengers and another from the Netherlands will carry 18 passengers, with both flights also carrying passengers from other countries that have not sent their own repatriation flights, officials said.
What is known about hantavirus?
Hantavirus is an acute viral zoonosis that requires immediate notification. It is transmitted to humans mainly by inhaling particles present in the urine, feces and saliva of infected wild rodents. Other forms of contagion include the virus coming into contact with mucous membranes, scratches or bites from these animals.
The virus can cause Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, headache and gastrointestinal symptoms. If it progresses to the cardiopulmonary phase, it is also possible to experience difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and a dry cough.
At the first sign of the disease, it is recommended to seek a health service immediately.
Outbreak of the disease on the high seas
The identification of the disease on the Hondius cruise was confirmed by the WHO (World Health Organization) on Tuesday (5). According to investigations, transmission occurred from person to person on board the ship.
The vessel, operated by the tourism company Oceanwide Expeditions, is on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean, with stops at some of the most remote islands in the world.
And, along the route, several passengers fell ill with a rapidly progressing respiratory illness, the company reported. The case resulted in three deaths from the virus.
*with information from Reuters
