Hantavirus Victim Aboard MV Hondiu Infected Before Trip

The World Health Organization confirmed the first hantavirus victim aboard the MV Hondiu cruise ship was a 70-year-old Dutch passenger who began experiencing symptoms, including fever and mild diarrhea, on April 6, 2023. Her condition worsened to respiratory distress, leading to her hospitalization on April 11.

Investigations revealed that the infection did not originate from the ship but occurred during a visit to an island along the route, with the incubation period suggesting exposure occurred six weeks prior. Health experts indicated that hantavirus is commonly spread through contact with infected rodents.

The outbreak has been linked to a Dutch couple who traveled in South America, including Argentina, and may have contracted the virus while birdwatching near a landfill site in Ushuaia. As of May 6, eight cases have been identified, with three confirmed by laboratory tests.

Two patients were evacuated from the ship as it continued its journey towards the Canary Islands.