NewKerala.com

Govt Ramps Up Surveillance After Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship

The Union Health Ministry has activated high-level surveillance after a Hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius. Eight probable cases, including five laboratory-confirmed, and three deaths have been reported. The outbreak is linked to the Andes strain, which can spread through close human contact. Two Indian nationals onboard are asymptomatic and under monitoring.

Key Points: Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: India on Alert

  • Health Ministry activates surveillance after Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship
  • 8 probable cases, 5 confirmed, 3 deaths reported
  • Andes strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission
  • Two Indian nationals onboard, asymptomatic, under monitoring
2 min read

Govt activates surveillance after Hantavirus cases on cruise ship

India activates surveillance after Hantavirus cases on cruise ship MV Hondius. 8 probable cases, 3 deaths reported. Two Indians onboard, asymptomatic.

"The outbreak is believed to be linked to the Andes strain of Hantavirus - Senior health official"

New Delhi, May 8

The Union Health Ministry has stepped up surveillance measures following a Hantavirus outbreak onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, with authorities closely monitoring the situation in coordination with national and international health agencies.

According to a senior health official cited by NDTV, the ministry, along with the National Centre for Disease Control, the World Health Organisation and other international health authorities, has activated high-level surveillance mechanisms to prevent any potential domestic transmission of the virus.

Preliminary information shared under the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework has confirmed eight probable cases of Hantavirus infection onboard the vessel, of which five have already been laboratory-confirmed.

Three deaths have also been reported since the WHO was first informed about the outbreak earlier this month.

Health authorities said the outbreak is believed to be linked to the Andes strain of Hantavirus, which, unlike many other hantavirus strains, is capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

However, officials noted that the spread generally requires close and prolonged contact, and the overall global risk is currently considered low.

Despite the low-risk assessment, authorities remain cautious due to the virus's long incubation period, which could result in additional cases emerging among passengers and crew members who are still under observation.

The WHO is currently coordinating the international response under the IHR mechanism.

Measures include strengthening diagnostic support, conducting epidemiological assessments, and ensuring safe disembarkation and onward travel arrangements for passengers and crew onboard the ship.

The health official further said that information received through IHR channels indicates that two Indian nationals are currently onboard the vessel.

Both individuals are asymptomatic at present and are being monitored under established international health protocols.

In response to the evolving situation, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the NCDC convened a high-level review meeting involving senior officials from IDSP and IHR-NFP India to assess the outbreak and review preparedness measures.

The Union Health Ministry said it remains vigilant and is maintaining close coordination with the WHO and other global health partners.

Authorities have also initiated precautionary public health measures to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Indian citizens.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
After COVID, I think we have the infrastructure to handle this. But we must ensure passengers are not stigmatised. They are asymptomatic and following protocols. Hope the two Indians are fine. 🇮🇳
V
Vikram M
Hantavirus is serious. The Andes strain with human-to-human transmission is concerning. But why is the WHO saying risk is low? Look at the deaths—three people died! We shouldn't underestimate this. Better safe than sorry.
A
Ananya R
Respect to the health ministry for activating surveillance so quickly. But I worry about our ports and airports. Are we checking all international arrivals? Or just this cruise? Need a broader approach.
R
Rohit P
Honestly, after the pandemic, I trust our public health teams. NCDC did good work during COVID. But we need better communication—not just to officials but to the public. Awareness will help reduce panic. 📢
K
Kavya N
Sad to hear about the deaths. Three families lost someone. This is a reminder that even rare diseases can become global threats quickly. India is doing the right thing by coordinating with WHO. Let's hope the asymptomatic Indians remain safe. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50