Hantavirus Tracker

The WHO has signaled that the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius is nearing its end, with 13 confirmed cases and 3 deaths, as quarantine periods for exposed individuals in Spain and the Netherlands conclude.

While most contacts have completed monitoring, 30 remain under follow-up, underscoring the lingering risk posed by the Andes virus strain, which can spread between humans.

The key takeaway: the outbreak appears contained, but the virus's ability to transmit person-to-person warrants continued surveillance.

Tracking: hantavirus

Geography: Americas, United States, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Southwest US

1. WHO declares hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship nearing end

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the hantavirus outbreak associated with the MV Hondius cruise ship is stabilizing, with total cases holding at 13 and three deaths.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed on June 25 that all contacts of the initial two cases in South Africa have completed monitoring, and quarantine periods for individuals in Spain and the Netherlands, including crew members, are finished.

Thirty contacts remain under follow-up. The outbreak, caused by the Andes virus strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission, originated possibly from a Dutch couple who contracted the virus ashore in Argentina before boarding.

Early symptoms mimic the flu, including fever, fatigue, and muscle pain, but can escalate to severe respiratory distress.

Key facts:

- Total cases remain at 13, including three fatalities.

- All contacts of two initial South Africa cases completed follow-up.

- Quarantine ended for everyone in Spain and the Netherlands.

- The outbreak strain is the Andes virus, which can spread person-to-person.

- WHO believes a Dutch couple contracted the virus in Argentina before boarding.

Why it matters: For public health agencies in the Americas, this outbreak confirms the Andes virus can spread in confined settings like cruise ships, justifying enhanced surveillance for rodent-borne diseases among international travelers.

The successful containment shows contact tracing and quarantine remain effective, but the 23% fatality rate underscores the need for rapid diagnostic protocols in emergency rooms across the U.S. and Latin America.

Rodent control agencies should anticipate increased demand for prevention guidance as awareness of hantavirus risks grows.

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