An outbreak of the rare and potentially deadly Hantavirus aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has raised international concern after at least 23 passengers left the vessel and returned to their home countries before being informed of possible exposure.
The passengers disembarked during a stop at Saint Helena on April 23 and traveled to countries including the United States, Australia, Taiwan, Switzerland, England, and the Netherlands.
Health authorities confirmed that one Swiss passenger later tested positive for the virus after initially testing negative. Investigators believe a Dutch couple, both now deceased, likely brought the virus onboard after exposure to infected rodents during a bird-watching trip in Ushuaia before the cruise departed in March.
The World Health Organization identified the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare variant capable of limited person-to-person transmission.
Experts say infection generally requires prolonged close contact and is far less contagious than COVID-19, though concerns remain over delayed contact tracing efforts.
