The ship carried 147 passengers and crew members on board when the outbreak was officially reported.
The cruise ship departed from Cape Verde on May 6 and is heading to the Canary Islands, in Spanish territory, where the disembarkation of passengers is scheduled.
The detected virus is the Andes strain
The analyses have confirmed that the six positive cases correspond to the Andes virus, a variant of hantavirus present in South America.
It is the only strain in which transmission between people has been documented, although this contagion usually only occurs in very close and prolonged contact.
The WHO considers that the risk to the world population is low, while the risk to the passengers and crew of the ship remains at a moderate level.
Three dead and four patients hospitalized
To date, the outbreak has caused three deaths. In addition, four people remain hospitalized in South Africa, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. A suspected case transferred to Germany finally tested negative.
What is hantavirus and what are its symptoms
Hantavirus is usually transmitted by contact with urine, saliva or droppings of infected rodents.
Initial symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Intense fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
In severe cases it can cause severe pneumonia, respiratory distress, and lung failure.
Is there a risk for Spain?
Although the cruise ship is scheduled to arrive in Spanish territory, the WHO insists that the risk to the general population is low. The possible contagion between people is limited to very close contact, and international health authorities maintain constant monitoring of the ship and its passengers.
A suspected case of hantavirus in Alicante and another in Barcelona
Spain has detected a suspected case of hantavirus in the province of Alicante. It is a 32-year-old woman with symptoms compatible with the disease who is undergoing diagnostic tests.
According to Reuters, the woman shared a flight with a passenger from the cruise ship MV Hondius who subsequently died in Johannesburg after contracting the virus.
In addition to the Alicante case, authorities tracked down another person who had arrived in Barcelona after sharing a flight with one of the deceased, although they were no longer in Spain, according to information gathered by national media.
Health stresses that the risk to the general population remains low.
CDC Evacuates U.S. Passengers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced the evacuation of American citizens aboard the cruise ship via a special medical flight bound for Omaha, in the United States. According to the company Oceanwide Expeditions, 17 American citizens remain on board.
WHO calls for calm
The WHO considers that the outbreak is localized and under international monitoring. The main hypothesis is that the first case was infected before boarding, possibly during a trip through Argentina or Chile, and that limited transmission may have subsequently occurred among some passengers.
For the moment, health authorities rule out a significant risk to the Spanish population.