From Rats To Humans To Global Panic: How A Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak Put 23 Nations On Alert

New Delhi: At present the world is not only worried about wars, but the news related to a luxury cruise ship has also given sleepless nights to many countries. International health agencies have come into alert mode after Hantavirus cases were reported on a luxury ship sailing to Antarctica.

Which ship became the cause for concern?

The luxury cruise named 'MV Hondius' departed from Ushuaia city of Argentina on April 1. There were 147 people on board from 23 countries, including 88 passengers and the rest crewmembers.

In this trip, the passengers were to visit Antarctica, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and other remote islands. This is considered a very expensive and special expedition, where people go to see snowy mountains, penguins and whales.

How did the first case emerge on the ship?

During the journey on April 6, the health of a 70-year-old passenger from the Netherlands started deteriorating. He suffered from fever, headache, and stomach problems. Doctors on board began treatment, but his condition continued to worsen.

That passenger died on 11 April. Initially it was considered a normal death, as there were no laboratory testing facilities on board the ship. But after this, the health of many passengers started deteriorating and an atmosphere of fear was created.

What was found in the dead passenger's wife?

The deceased passenger's 69-year-old wife later reached Johannesburg, South Africa, where her health deteriorated during the flight. She also died after being admitted to the hospital. Investigation revealed that she was infected with Hantavirus. After this, there was an international stir, because this virus is usually spread by rats and in some cases can also spread the infection from human to human.

How dangerous is hantavirus?

Hantavirus is spread through the feces, urine and saliva of rats. Infected dust can reach the body through breathing. Its symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, cough and shortness of breath. In severe cases, lungs and kidneys can be affected. According to experts, the 'Andes Hantavirus' found on the ship is a strain that can spread from person to person under limited circumstances. This is the reason why the concern of health agencies increased.

Were other passengers also infected?

Later a German passenger also died on the ship. After this many countries increased vigilance. Cape Verdean authorities did not even allow the ship to land at their port. So far, 8 suspected cases have been identified, of which 5 have been confirmed to be Hantavirus. Three people have died and one patient is said to be admitted in ICU in South Africa.

What steps did WHO and different countries take?

After the World Health Organization (WHO) got information about the matter, many countries started tracking the passengers who had disembarked from the plane. Passengers are being monitored in many countries including America, Britain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada and Singapore. Some passengers have also isolated themselves in their homes.

Do common people need to be afraid?

WHO says that at present the danger to the common people is very low and there is no need to panic. However, after the Covid pandemic, the world no longer seems ready to take any new virus lightly. At present, preparations are being made to take the ship to the Canary Islands of Spain, where the passengers will be disembarked and the entire ship will be sanitized.