The Union Ministry of Health is closely monitoring eight probable cases of hantavirus infection reported aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, with five cases laboratory confirmed and three deaths reported,
a top official in the ministry said.
According to a senior health ministry official, the information received through International Health Regulations channels indicates that two Indian nationals are currently onboard the vessel. Both individuals are presently asymptomatic and are under observation in accordance with established international health protocols.
The virus involved is the Andes strain of hantavirus, which the WHO has assessed, poses a low public health risk, though additional cases may emerge due to the infection’s relatively long incubation period.
33-Day Luxury Cruise To Worst Nightmare: How ‘Atlantic Odyssey’ Led To Hantavirus Outbreak
The ministry is coordinating with the National Centre for Disease Control, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, and the WHO to monitor the situation.
The Andes strain of hantavirus “is known to have limited capability of human-to-human transmission and generally requires close and prolonged contact for spread,” the official said.
The WHO has notified the incident in the first week of this month under the International Health Regulations framework. It is the UN agency’s international disease notification protocol that requires countries to report outbreaks with cross-border potential.
In response, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre under IDSP and NCDC convened a high-level review meeting involving senior officials to assess the situation and review preparedness measures.
The WHO is coordinating international response measures, including strengthening diagnostic support, facilitating epidemiological assessment, and ensuring safe disembarkation and onward travel arrangements for passengers and crew.
“The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and is maintaining close coordination with WHO and other international partners,” the official said, adding that necessary public health measures are being undertaken proactively to safeguard Indian citizens. The precautionary surveillance measures have been activated as part of the ministry’s proactive approach to the evolving situation.
