Two Indian Nationals on MV Hondius Show No Symptoms as India Monitors Hantavirus Situation
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has confirmed that two Indian nationals currently onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, where hantavirus cases were reported, are asymptomatic and remain under medical observation under international health guidelines. In an official statement issued Friday, the ministry said it is closely tracking developments and coordinating with the World Health Organization along with other global health bodies. Authorities added that preventive public health steps are being taken to ensure the safety of Indian citizens. According to preliminary information shared through the International Health Regulations (IHR) mechanism, eight probable hantavirus cases have been identified on the vessel so far. Out of these, five have been laboratory confirmed, while three deaths have also been reported. Officials stated that WHO was informed about the outbreak during the first week of May. The two Indian passengers onboard have not shown symptoms and continue to be monitored. The virus involved is reported to be the Andes strain of hantavirus, a variant found in South America that has limited ability for human-to-human transmission. Experts note that transmission generally requires close and prolonged contact. WHO has currently assessed the wider public health risk as low, though more cases may emerge due to the virus’s long incubation period. WHO is also overseeing response measures under IHR protocols, including diagnostic assistance, epidemiological review, and safe travel arrangements for passengers and crew. As a precaution, India’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre under the National Centre for Disease Control and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme held a high-level preparedness review meeting. Hantaviruses are commonly spread through rodents such as mice and rats, or through contact with their urine, droppings, or saliva. Symptoms may develop between one and eight weeks after exposure and often include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. There is no specific cure for hantavirus infections, but early supportive treatment can improve outcomes by managing respiratory, heart, and kidney complications. Prevention mainly depends on avoiding exposure to infected rodents. Source: The Hindu
