By Our Correspondent

National News – An international health scare has emerged after a hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius triggered emergency COVID-style precautions across countries.

The vessel, traveling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde, recorded multiple illnesses and at least three deaths, with one patient in intensive care in South Africa.

Health authorities are investigating the origin and transmission of the rare virus while passengers remain under strict monitoring at sea.

The outbreak has raised concerns among global health agencies as countries including Spain, South Africa, and the Netherlands coordinate responses.

According to officials, the WHO identified the illness as linked to hantavirus, typically carried by rodents and transmitted through contact with infected saliva, urine, or droppings.

Authorities in Spain plan to allow the ship to dock in Tenerife in the Canary Islands, despite objections from regional leaders questioning the decision’s safety.

Medical evacuations have already been carried out, with several passengers airlifted for urgent treatment.

Onboard, passengers are using masks, sanitizers, and distancing measures similar to the COVID-19 era.

Health officials say human-to-human transmission is rare but still under review due to the ship’s environment.

Investigations continue as South African authorities trace dozens of contacts and monitor exposed individuals.

Despite fatalities, WHO maintains that overall public health risk remains low.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and severe respiratory complications in advanced cases.

Experts stress vigilance but avoid panic as containment efforts continue.

Authorities are also reviewing travel histories across South America to determine possible exposure points during earlier port stops and onboard activities, while reinforcing surveillance protocols for other cruise routes operating in the Atlantic corridor.