By Desmond Nleya
A rare outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus aboard the Antarctic cruise ship MV Hondius has raised global concern after three passengers died and several others became ill. Health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), say the situation is serious but the overall public health risk remains low.
The vessel, operated on Antarctic expedition routes, is currently heading toward the Canary Islands after remaining off the coast of Cape Verde during the initial response phase.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a group of viruses usually spread by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. People can become infected when they inhale contaminated particles from the air or touch contaminated surfaces.
Some forms of hantavirus can cause a severe lung disease known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which can rapidly become life-threatening.
The strain linked to the MV Hondius outbreak is believed to be the Andes virus, a rare variant mainly found in parts of Argentina and Chile.
Why is the Andes strain unusual?
Most hantavirus strains do not spread from person to person. However, the Andes strain is different because limited human-to-human transmission has occasionally been recorded among close contacts.
WHO officials stressed that the virus is still far less contagious than COVID-19 and does not currently pose a pandemic-level threat.
Symptoms of hantavirus
Symptoms often begin like the flu and may appear between one and eight weeks after exposure.
Early symptoms include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches, especially in the back and thighs
- Headaches
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
As the disease progresses, patients may develop:
- Persistent coughing
- Severe shortness of breath
- Fluid build-up in the lungs
- Low blood pressure and shock
Medical experts warn that once breathing difficulties begin, the illness can worsen quickly.
How did the outbreak begin?
The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on April 1, 2026, for an Antarctic and South Atlantic expedition.
According to health officials, illnesses began appearing during the voyage, with passengers reporting fever, stomach problems, and respiratory distress.
Timeline of key events:
- April 11: First passenger dies onboard
- April 24: The victim’s wife is evacuated from Saint Helena to Johannesburg for treatment
- April 26: She dies in South Africa and later tests positive for hantavirus
- May 2: Another passenger dies onboard
- May 3: Ship reaches waters near Cape Verde amid growing international concern
- May 8: WHO confirms multiple cases linked to the outbreak
So far, eight suspected cases have been identified, including three deaths.
Is there treatment?
There is currently no specific cure for hantavirus infection.
Doctors mainly focus on supportive care, including:
- Oxygen therapy
- Intensive care monitoring
- Ventilation support
- Fluid management
An antiviral drug called ribavirin has shown some benefit against certain hantavirus strains that affect the kidneys, but experts say it has not proven effective against the lung complications associated with HPS.
Early medical treatment greatly improves survival chances.
How can hantavirus be prevented?
Health authorities recommend several precautions to reduce the risk of infection:
- Avoid contact with rodents and their droppings
- Seal buildings and ships against rodent entry
- Use wet cleaning methods instead of sweeping contaminated areas
- Wash hands regularly
- Wear masks in high-risk environments
- Monitor symptoms for up to 45 days after possible exposure
Travellers and crew members who were aboard the ship are also being monitored through contact tracing efforts.
What is the global risk?
WHO officials continue to describe the global risk as low. Experts say the outbreak appears limited and does not resemble the rapid international spread seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is not coronavirus. This is a very different virus,” WHO epidemic management director Maria Van Kerkhove said during a media briefing.
Health authorities around the world are continuing investigations while monitoring passengers and crew linked to the voyage.
