On Thursday, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the public risk from hantavirus is still considered low, despite global health agencies working hard to address concerns regarding a rare but deadly outbreak tied to a cruise ship near the Cape Verde Islands.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, provided the first specialized briefing from the agency regarding the outbreak since its confirmation earlier this week. Eight suspected cases have been reported on the ship, with five of those confirmed as infections. Currently, three individuals have died, and one remains in critical condition.
This outbreak has initiated an international health response, as authorities trace infections, investigate potential transmission routes, and try to alleviate concerns among travelers who were delayed offshore after passengers from over 20 countries were affected.
The cases have been associated with the MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged expedition cruise ship that was quarantined close to the isolated island of St. Helena following reports from several passengers of fever, gastrointestinal distress, and severe respiratory issues.
WHO officials indicated that the initial infected passenger may have contracted the virus prior to boarding the ship, though investigations are still ongoing. The first case appeared on April 6.
The ship had 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries aboard, including four Canadians. However, Global Affairs Canada noted that no Canadians were directly affected by the infections.
Currently, the vessel is heading toward Spain’s Canary Islands, where it is anticipated to arrive in the coming days.
In the meantime, the ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, released a statement on Thursday indicating that 30 passengers had disembarked at Saint Helena in the Atlantic Ocean on April 24, before the outbreak was formally declared. Among those passengers were two Canadians.
Hantavirus is a virus carried by rodents that can lead to severe illness in humans and is mainly spread through contact with infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings. Infection typically occurs when contaminated airborne particles are inhaled, particularly in enclosed environments.
The virus can lead to serious respiratory and kidney-related conditions. Early symptoms often mimic those of the flu, presenting as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and abdominal pain, before swiftly advancing to respiratory complications due to fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections, with management primarily involving supportive care like oxygen therapy and fluids. However, recovery from the infection is believed to confer long-term immunity.
