Authorities are swiftly working to identify and locate individuals who had close contact with the cruise ship implicated in a hantavirus outbreak, following a confirmed case in Switzerland. The MV Hondius liner, carrying approximately 150 passengers from 23 different countries, has been stranded at sea due to the deaths of three individuals onboard. Among the deceased were a 70-year-old Dutch man and his 69-year-old wife, who passed away after being evacuated to South Africa.

Health experts have determined that the hantavirus strain responsible for the outbreak is the Andes virus, known to transmit among individuals in close proximity. Subsequently, a passenger who disembarked from the ship and sought medical attention in Switzerland tested positive for the virus. The World Health Organization is collaborating with various countries to initiate contact tracing efforts to contain the spread of the disease.

Hantavirus can be contracted by humans through contact with infected rodents and their excreta, such as droppings, saliva, or urine. The virus can also be transmitted by inhaling particles from contaminated droppings or touching infected surfaces. While transmission through rodent bites is rare, individuals from three U.S. states who were passengers on the ship are under observation for potential hantavirus infections.

After facing challenges in finding a port to dock, the cruise ship was eventually permitted to dock at the Canary Islands. However, the president of the Canary Islands expressed objections to the ship’s arrival, highlighting concerns about public health and safety.