Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius Cruise Ship Causes Deaths and Global Quarantine
A deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and multiple infections across several countries. Originating from exposure in Argentina, the Andes virus strain spread among passengers, prompting evacuations to Spain, the UK, the US, and other nations. Health authorities, including the WHO and CDC, emphasize that while the virus has a high fatality rate, its limited human-to-human transmission poses a low risk to the general public. Strict quarantine and contact tracing measures are being implemented globally to contain the outbreak.
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Perth Quarantine Group Cleared of Hantavirus After Cruise Outbreak
Six individuals quarantined at the Bullsbrook Centre for National Resilience in Perth, Western Australia, have tested negative for hantavirus following a three-week isolation period. The group, comprising four Australian citizens, one permanent resident, and one New Zealand national, was among the last passengers repatriated from the MV Hondius cruise ship. They had been exposed to the Andes strain of the virus, which is capable of human-to-human transmission, after an infected couple boarded the vessel in Argentina and Chile. The federal Health Department confirmed the passengers are well and will only be retested if symptoms develop. This outbreak on the luxury cruise ship resulted in three deaths and triggered a global evacuation effort. Meanwhile, Canada reported its first case of the virus involving one of the four Canadians on board, who remains in stable condition. The World Health Organization highlighted the rarity of such an outbreak on a cruise ship, while Australian authorities emphasized that the quarantined group had no contact with the general public, prioritizing community safety throughout the incident.
9NewsCanadian Passenger from MV Hondius Cruise Ship Tests Presumptive Positive for Hantavirus
The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed that a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship has tested presumptively positive for Andes hantavirus. The individual, one of four Canadian passengers on board during an outbreak, was hospitalized in British Columbia alongside her partner, who is also showing mild symptoms. Both remain in hospital quarantine, while a third individual from the group is undergoing examinations. The MV Hondius, which departed Argentina on April 1 with 88 passengers and 61 crew members, has been linked to three deaths globally. Health authorities emphasize that the risk to the general Canadian population remains low and explicitly distinguish this situation from the Covid-19 pandemic. There is currently no specific vaccine or treatment for hantavirus. Final test results are expected within two days. The incident highlights ongoing monitoring of infectious diseases in international travel contexts, though officials assure the public that containment measures are effective and the threat level is minimal.
Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le mondeCanadian Tourist Tests Positive for Hantavirus After Leaving Cruise Ship
A Canadian tourist from Yukon has tested positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus after disembarking from the MV Hondius, a Dutch luxury cruise ship that experienced an outbreak of the virus. The individual, who developed mild symptoms, was tested at a hospital in Victoria, British Columbia, and is currently in stable condition. This person is one of four Canadians isolating on Vancouver Island after leaving the vessel, which had departed Argentina on a polar expedition. The group includes two couples, one from Yukon and another from British Columbia. According to BC Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry, the infected individual and the others did not come into contact with the public during their transfer from their flight to Victoria. The Andes strain of hantavirus can cause severe lung illness and has a fatality rate of up to 50 percent, though it is primarily spread by rodents. Health authorities emphasize that person-to-person transmission is rare and the current risk of wider spread remains low. The incident highlights ongoing monitoring efforts by health officials in British Columbia regarding travelers returning from affected regions.
The Independent WorldCanada Reports Suspected Hantavirus Case Linked to Deadly Cruise Ship Outbreak
Health authorities in British Columbia, Canada, have reported a suspected case of hantavirus in a passenger who recently traveled on the MV Hondius cruise ship. The patient, an individual in their 70s from Yukon, tested presumptive positive for the Andes strain of the virus and is currently being treated in isolation at a hospital in Victoria. While experiencing mild symptoms such as fever and headache, the patient remains stable. Final confirmation from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg is pending. This case adds to growing concerns regarding an outbreak aboard the Dutch-operated expedition vessel, which has been linked to at least 11 infections among passengers. Nine cases have been laboratory-confirmed, and three passengers have died as a result of the outbreak. Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, stated that while the development was unexpected, it aligns with contingency planning. The spouse of the infected patient has shown only minor symptoms and initially tested negative. Officials continue to monitor other passengers who returned from the voyage earlier this month.
Times of IndiaCanada Reports First Suspected Hantavirus Case Linked to Cruise Ship Outbreak
Canadian health officials have reported the first suspected case of hantavirus in British Columbia, linked to a deadly outbreak on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius. Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, confirmed that one of four Canadian passengers in quarantine tested presumptively positive. The patient, currently hospitalized in Victoria, exhibits mild symptoms such as fever and headache and remains in stable condition under isolation. While the result awaits final confirmation, samples have been sent for further testing. The patient’s partner tested negative but remains under observation, while two other individuals from the group are also being monitored, one in hospital and one at home. The four Canadians arrived in Victoria on May 10 and were immediately quarantined despite being asymptomatic at arrival. This development follows three confirmed deaths among other passengers on the same vessel, including a Dutch couple and a German woman. Authorities have imposed a minimum 21-day quarantine period, aligning with cautious monitoring protocols, although the World Health Organization recommends up to 42 days for such infections. Officials emphasize that this scenario was anticipated in their planning.
The Indian ExpressCanadian Cruise Passenger Tests Presumptive Positive for Andes Hantavirus
Canadian public health officials confirmed that a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship has tested presumptive positive for the Andes hantavirus. The patient, identified as one of four high-risk Canadians aboard the vessel, was self-isolating in British Columbia when symptoms emerged. The individual and their spouse, who reported minor symptoms, were transferred to a hospital for isolation and care. A third individual in secure lodging was also moved to a hospital for assessment as a precaution. The Andes strain is notable for being the only hantavirus variant known to transmit between humans. Despite this development, the Public Health Agency of Canada emphasized that the overall risk to the general population remains low. The outbreak originated on the cruise ship, which departed Argentina in April and crossed the Atlantic before the disease was detected. Globally, the death toll from this specific outbreak stands at three. There are currently no vaccines or specific treatments for hantavirus, though officials have dismissed comparisons to the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. Confirmatory test results are expected within a few days.
Latest NewsCanadian Tests Positive for Hantavirus After Cruise Ship Outbreak
Health officials in British Columbia confirmed that one Canadian has tested positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus following an outbreak on the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius. The individual, who is from Yukon, developed mild symptoms and was tested at a hospital in Victoria, Vancouver Island. They are currently in stable condition and are among four Canadians isolating on the island after disembarking from the vessel. The group includes two couples, one from Yukon and another from British Columbia, who were transferred to Victoria for testing as such services are unavailable in the northern territory. Authorities stated that the isolated individuals had no contact with the public during their transfer. The MV Hondius had departed Argentina on a polar expedition in April before the outbreak occurred. The World Health Organization notes that the Andes strain can cause severe lung illness with a fatality rate of up to 50 percent. However, health officials emphasize that while person-to-person transmission is possible in rare cases, the current risk of the virus spreading further is low.
The Straits Times World NewsCanadian Cruise Passenger Tests Presumptive Positive for Hantavirus
Canadian health officials reported that one of four Canadians returning from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak has received a presumptive positive test result for the virus. Bonnie Henry, the public health officer for British Columbia, stated that confirmatory results from the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg are expected over the weekend. The patient, part of a couple in their 70s who traveled on the MV Hondius, began exhibiting mild symptoms such as fever and headache two days prior to the announcement. Both individuals are currently hospitalized in Victoria, where the infected patient is being monitored in isolation while remaining stable. Henry noted that while this development was not hoped for, it was anticipated within their planning framework. The second individual from the couple displayed very minor symptoms and tested negative for the virus. This incident highlights ongoing monitoring efforts by Canadian authorities regarding infectious diseases contracted during international travel, specifically focusing on the containment and care of potential cases emerging from the recent outbreak on the MV Hondius.
News - South China Morning PostCanadian Cruise Passenger Tests Presumptive Positive for Hantavirus After Ship Outbreak
A Canadian passenger who returned from the MV Hondius cruise ship has received a presumptive positive test result for hantavirus, according to British Columbia public health officials. The individual, part of a couple in their 70s from the Yukon, is currently hospitalized in Victoria with mild symptoms such as fever and headache. Their partner tested negative but exhibited minor symptoms. Confirmation from the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg is expected soon. This case brings the total number of infections linked to the ship to 12, with nine confirmed cases and three deaths reported globally, including a Dutch couple believed to be the first exposed in South America. Four Canadians were evacuated to British Columbia on May 10 and placed in isolation. Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial public health officer, reassured the public that hantavirus does not have pandemic potential like COVID-19 and that infection control measures are effectively in place. She emphasized that the situation poses no additional risk to the general population, as the virus is not transmitted person-to-person in the same manner as respiratory pandemics.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduCanadian Passenger from Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Ship Tests Positive
A Canadian passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which experienced a hantavirus outbreak in April, has tested presumptive positive for the virus. British Columbia health officials confirmed that the individual, who is from Yukon, is one of four former passengers currently isolating on Vancouver Island. The patient developed mild symptoms but has had no contact with the public since arriving in Canada. This new case brings the total number of infections among cruise passengers to 11, with three deaths reported, two of which are confirmed to be caused by the virus. Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s senior health officer, emphasized that hantavirus differs significantly from respiratory viruses like influenza or COVID-19 and does not pose a pandemic threat. The virus, likely the Andes strain contracted in South America, is typically carried by rodents but allows for human-to-human transmission. While the World Health Organization recommends a 42-day isolation period, local timelines may be adjusted. Officials maintain that the risk of a major outbreak remains very low as other exposed Canadians continue to isolate in Ontario and Vancouver Island.
BBC NewsCanadian Passenger from MV Hondius Tests Positive for Hantavirus
A Canadian passenger who traveled on the MV Hondius cruise ship has tested positive for the Andy strain of hantavirus, according to British Columbia Health Officer Bonnie Henry. The patient is currently stable with mild symptoms, and further studies are planned to confirm the results. Henry stated that four Canadians from the ship are in isolation in British Columbia, but she sees no immediate threat of further spread within Canada. Previously, Canada's chief public health officer reported that 26 Canadians are under medical supervision for potential hantavirus symptoms, with nine isolated due to high-risk exposure. The MV Hondius, which departed Tenerife for the Netherlands in May, reported an onboard outbreak involving approximately 10 cases and three deaths. The World Health Organization initially reported 11 cases before revising the number. Passengers were ordered to remain in their cabins to prevent transmission, though the virus's long incubation period complicates rapid identification of new infections. The ship had approximately 150 people on board, primarily from Great Britain, Spain, the Netherlands, and the US, after departing Argentina in April.
TASSCanada Confirms First Presumptive Hantavirus Case from MV Hondius Outbreak
Canadian health officials have confirmed that one of four Canadians quarantining in British Columbia has presumptively tested positive for hantavirus. The individual was a passenger on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is the center of an outbreak that has resulted in three deaths globally. Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, reported that the patient developed mild symptoms, such as fever and headache, and was transferred to a hospital in Victoria for assessment alongside their partner, who tested negative. While the initial result is presumptive, samples have been sent to the national microbiology lab in Winnipeg for confirmation. Out of caution, a third contact was also hospitalized for monitoring, while the fourth remains in home isolation. The four Canadians arrived in Victoria on May 10 and began a mandatory 21-day quarantine, despite World Health Organization recommendations for a longer period. This case marks the first confirmed infection among the Canadian group exposed during the voyage, highlighting ongoing public health efforts to contain the spread of the virus following the fatalities of a Dutch couple and a German woman.
The GuardianCanadian Cruise Passenger Tests Positive for Andes Hantavirus
The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed that a Canadian passenger aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has tested positive for the Andes hantavirus. The infected individual and their spouse, who is exhibiting mild symptoms, were hospitalized and remain in isolation. A third person, previously isolating in secure lodging, was also hospitalized for assessment as a precautionary measure, though their connection to the couple remains unclear. Confirmatory testing is underway at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. Health officials stated that while the virus is severe, the overall risk to the general Canadian population remains low. Authorities are currently monitoring 36 individuals, including four cruise passengers, who are in isolation. As of the latest update, there are no known cases of hantavirus in the United States linked to this outbreak. The agency continues to follow prevention protocols and will provide further updates as necessary to ensure public safety.
NBC News Top StoriesFrance Confirms Hantavirus Strain in Cruise Outbreak Matches Known Andes Virus
French health authorities confirmed that the hantavirus responsible for a deadly outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship matches the known Andes virus strain circulating in South America. Genomic analysis by the Pasteur Institute revealed no new characteristics that would make the virus more transmissible or dangerous. The Andes virus is notable for being the only hantavirus capable of person-to-person transmission. The outbreak has resulted in ten identified cases, eight of which are confirmed, and three deaths, including a Dutch couple believed to be the initial sources of infection after visiting rodent-infested areas in South America. Passengers, including Americans and a British dual citizen, were evacuated to the Canary Islands and repatriated, with some undergoing monitoring at the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist stated that the data would be shared with the international scientific community to ensure close health monitoring. The findings alleviate concerns about the emergence of a novel, more virulent pathogen, attributing the variations found to natural viral evolution rather than significant mutations.
Home - CBSNews.comWHO Investigates Andes Hantavirus Transmission Duration After Cruise Ship Outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an urgent study into the Andes hantavirus following an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship that infected eleven people and resulted in three deaths. Scientists currently lack precise data on how long the virus remains active in the human body and the duration of its transmissibility to others. The virus is known to spread through respiratory droplets, close contact, and bodily fluids such as saliva, breast milk, and sperm, raising concerns about sexual transmission and prolonged infectiousness. Maria Van Kerkhove, head of the WHO's Emerging Diseases and Zoonosis Unit, stated that researchers are conducting natural history studies involving regular sampling of quarantined individuals to determine infection status and transmission risks. This information is critical as there is no specific treatment for hantavirus, only supportive care. If the virus persists in recovered individuals for extended periods, quarantine guidelines may need significant extension. The study aims to clarify isolation requirements and safety precautions, particularly regarding sexual contact and breastfeeding, with results expected in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, global surveillance of cruise travelers has increased due to the potential severity of this strain.
India Today | Latest StoriesWHO Lowers Global Hantavirus Case Count After US Passenger Tests Negative
The World Health Organization (WHO) has revised the total number of global hantavirus cases down from 11 to 10 after confirming that a US passenger, previously listed with an inconclusive test result, tested negative for the virus. The outbreak originated on the MV Hondius, a Dutch luxury cruise ship that departed Argentina for a polar expedition in April. Three individuals, including a Dutch couple and a German national, have died from the infection. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, clarified that the virus involved is the Andes strain, which is known for limited human-to-human transmission but does not pose a pandemic threat comparable to Covid-19. While US health officials reported no confirmed cases within the United States, 41 individuals are being monitored, with some under quarantine in Nebraska and Atlanta. The WHO emphasizes that the virus shows no signs of increased transmissibility or severity. Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for hantavirus, so care remains supportive. The organization recommends a 42-day monitoring period for high-risk contacts and self-monitoring for those at lower risk.
The Straits Times World NewsUS Health Officials Provide Daily Hantavirus Updates to White House and RFK Jr.
Top US health officials confirmed that the White House and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are receiving daily briefings regarding the US response to an Andes hantavirus outbreak. The virus was linked to three deaths aboard a luxury cruise ship earlier this month. CDC Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya stated that no cases have been reported within the United States and the risk to the general public remains very low. Currently, forty-one US residents are under monitoring for potential infection, including eighteen passengers who returned home before the outbreak was identified; these individuals are quarantined in Nebraska and Atlanta. Health officials defined high-risk exposure as being on the ship between April 6 and May 10, having close contact with infected persons, or sitting near them during air travel. High-risk contacts are advised to self-isolate for six weeks and limit interaction with others. While some scientists criticized the initial response as sluggish, officials emphasized that the Andes virus does not transmit easily and requires prolonged close contact for spread.
The Straits Times World NewsHantavirus Outbreak: US Tracks 16 New Cases Amid Growing Scientific Debate
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 11 cases of Andes hantavirus linked to an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which resulted in three deaths and a 27% fatality rate. The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, arrived in the Canary Islands after departing Argentina, triggering a multi-continent health response. While eight cases are laboratory-confirmed, experts remain divided on the potential for human-to-human transmission without direct contact. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring 41 individuals potentially exposed to the virus. This includes 18 repatriated passengers from the cruise and 16 new suspected cases unrelated to the ship but linked to a flight from Saint Helena to Johannesburg. These 16 individuals had contact with a Dutch woman who died from the virus after traveling through South Africa. Currently, there are no confirmed cases within the US, and quarantine measures remain largely voluntary. Meanwhile, Spain has enforced mandatory quarantine for contacts at a Madrid hospital, and other nations like the UK and Singapore are managing isolated cases and tracking passenger movements to contain the spread of the endemic South American virus.
ExameWHO Anticipates Imminent Update on Hantavirus Mission to Ushuaia Amid Global Quarantines
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that a rigorous investigation into the hantavirus epidemic is actively underway, with an update on the mission to Ushuaia, Argentina, expected very soon. Epidemiologist Maria van Kerkhove stated that experts are analyzing exposure details regarding the initial cases, a Dutch couple who died from the virus. Meanwhile, global health authorities are managing potential spread linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. A New Zealander tested negative while in quarantine in Taiwan, and an American passenger was isolated in Pitcairn Island. In the United States, 41 individuals are under monitoring, with three hospitalized in Kansas for observation. Six passengers from the MV Hondius arrived in Western Australia for further testing and quarantine. Additionally, an Argentine scientific team is scheduled to deploy to Ushuaia to investigate rodent vectors, aiming to identify the source of the Andes virus outbreak within a month. These developments highlight international cooperation in containing the epidemic and understanding its origins.
Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le mondeWHO Lowers Hantavirus Case Count After US Passenger Tests Negative
The World Health Organization (WHO) has revised the global count of hantavirus cases down from 11 to 10 after confirming that a US passenger, previously listed with an inconclusive test result, tested negative for the virus. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness, stated that further confirmation from US health officials clarified the individual's status. The outbreak originated on the MV Hondius, a Dutch luxury cruise ship that departed Argentina for a polar expedition in April. Three fatalities have been recorded among a Dutch couple and a German national. Currently, 41 individuals, including 18 in Nebraska and Atlanta, are under monitoring in the United States, while other contacts remain quarantined in various European countries. The outbreak involves the Andes virus, a rare strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission, though WHO experts emphasize it poses no pandemic threat and shows no increased transmissibility or severity compared to historical patterns. Health authorities recommend a 42-day monitoring period for high-risk contacts, as there are no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments available for hantavirus infections.
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