Two Indians On Ship Hit By Hantavirus Outbreak
Two Indians were among 149 people aboard a luxury expedition cruise ship stranded in the Atlantic Ocean after a deadly hantavirus outbreak killed three passengers and left several others infected or suspected to be infected. Health authorities have started international contact tracing as some travellers had already returned home by flight.
Two Indians Aboard MV Hondius Cruise Ship
The outbreak was reported on MV Hondius, which had been sailing from Argentina and visiting remote wildlife areas. The vessel had passengers from several countries, including India, and health officials are now monitoring possible exposure among passengers, crew and contacts.
Hantavirus Outbreak Kills Three Passengers
According to health authorities, eight cases linked to the ship have been identified so far, including three confirmed and five suspected infections. Four passengers were medically evacuated for treatment, while three deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak.
Andes Hantavirus Raises Health Concerns
The outbreak is linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, considered one of the rare forms that can spread between humans through very close contact. Most hantaviruses usually spread through exposure to virus particles from rodent urine, droppings or saliva.
WHO Says Global Risk Remains Low
Health experts have said the outbreak should not be compared with Covid-19 or influenza because hantavirus spreads differently. While the situation is being treated seriously, the global risk of infection is currently considered low.
