- A suspected hantavirus outbreak on Oceanwide Expeditions’ MV Hondius has resulted in three deaths and seven identified cases (two confirmed, five suspected) among 147 passengers.
- The vessel, which commenced a polar expedition from Argentina on 1 April, is currently sailing towards the Canary Islands, with most passengers required to remain on board.
- The World Health Organisation suggests a mixed transmission, potentially from rodent exposure during island excursions or human-to-human contact within cabins.
- Despite this high-profile incident, hantavirus cases on cruise ships are exceptionally rare, with no other known outbreaks reported.
- The cruise industry asserts that illness rates at sea are lower than on land, attributing this to rigorous biosecurity measures, frequent inspections, and strict hygiene protocols on board.
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