Health authorities have confirmed new cases of hantavirus in a passenger from the United States and another from France after they left a cruise ship affected by a serious outbreak. The ship, the MV Hondius, has been linked to multiple infections and several deaths.
In total, seven confirmed cases are now linked to the ship, with two more still suspected. The World Health Organization has warned that the situation is still being monitored closely as passengers continue to return to their home countries.
The American and French passengers tested positive after being repatriated. Officials said both had left the ship using medical precautions, including protective transport units, to reduce any possible risk of spread.
At the same time, a second US passenger on the same flight showed mild symptoms and is now under medical observation. In France, the infected woman is isolating in Paris, where doctors say her condition is getting worse. Contact tracing has identified 22 people who may have been exposed.
Global monitoring continues as passengers are repatriated and isolated
Health agencies across several countries are now tracking passengers who were on the MV Hondius. At least three deaths have already been linked to the outbreak. Two of the victims were confirmed to have had the virus, while one case remains untested but is considered highly likely.
The outbreak is believed to involve a strain of hantavirus that can sometimes spread between humans. Experts say the virus is normally carried by rodents, but limited human transmission is possible in rare cases.
Meanwhile, dozens of passengers have been flown home to countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Canada and the Netherlands. Many of them are now in isolation or under medical supervision.
In the United States, all returning passengers were taken to a medical facility in Nebraska for health checks. Officials also said that seven other passengers had already returned home earlier and were being monitored locally.
Health authorities in different countries have taken different approaches to isolation rules. The World Health Organization recommended a 42 day isolation period, but US health officials said the risk of widespread transmission remains low.
At the same time, European and other health agencies continue to monitor those who were on board the ship, including crew members who remain with the vessel during its transfer.
The MV Hondius remains docked in Spain’s Canary Islands as investigations continue, while officials focus on preventing any further spread of the virus.
