Quarantine Ends After Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak Killed 3

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Geneva: Health authorities have declared the end of a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship that infected 12 confirmed cases and one probable case, killing three people and triggering an international health alert.

The outbreak was caused by the rare Andes strain of hantavirus, the only known form of the virus capable of spreading between humans. No new cases have been reported since May 2, and the situation is now considered stable, according to the World Health Organization.

Most passengers and crew who were quarantined in the Netherlands have been cleared to return home. The Dutch-flagged expedition ship was also allowed to resume operations after undergoing cleaning and disinfection.

The MV Hondius began its voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, visiting remote South Atlantic islands before passengers were evacuated in Spain's Canary Islands. The vessel later arrived in Rotterdam, where remaining crew members completed weeks of quarantine.

Authorities on the remote island of St Helena, where many passengers had disembarked, also ended emergency measures after all contacts completed their 42-day isolation period. Officials said there are no active cases and no ongoing risk to the public.

Hantavirus is typically spread by rodents and has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

Pic Credit: AFP