An outbreak of hantavirus infection has been linked to a cruise ship, the MV Hondius. The virus, specifically the Andes virus strain, was identified after several passengers and crew members developed severe acute respiratory illness. The ship had traveled across the South Atlantic, visiting remote locations including Antarctica, South Georgia Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island. The close living quarters, shared indoor spaces, and prolonged interactions on board likely facilitated transmission. WHO conducted investigations, confirmed the virus type, and implemented measures such as quarantine for high-risk contacts and monitoring for others. The agency assessed the global risk as low, noting that human-to-human transmission typically requires prolonged close exposure. WHO provided guidance for managing cases and contacts across multiple countries where individuals from the ship had traveled.
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