CARPHA Issues Update #2 on the Hantavirus Outbreak

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has issued a second update to its member states, including Belize, on the hantavirus outbreak linked to an international cruise ship. It confirms that the risk to the region remains low.

Eleven cases, including three deaths, have been reported following an outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, a vessel that departed Ushuaia, Argentina on 1st April and travelled through remote South Atlantic and Antarctic regions. Eight cases have been laboratory confirmed. Passengers from South Africa, Switzerland, France, Spain, the Netherlands and the United States were among those affected. The ship docked at Tenerife, Spain, on Sunday, May 10th, where all passengers and crew were disembarked and repatriated on non-commercial flights.

CARPHA says the outbreak involves the Andes virus strain, the only hantavirus known to allow limited human-to-human transmission, and only under conditions of prolonged close contact.

CARPHA added that “the Andes hantavirus is not considered to be the next pandemic. The virus does not spread easily among people… The risk to the Caribbean remains low at this time.

CARPHA also pointed to the region’s vulnerability as a major cruise destination and has recommended its member states maintain routine vessel surveillance, review onboard medical logs, and reinforce sanitation control procedures at ports as precautionary measures. Any suspected cases should be reported promptly.

“Sustained vigilance remains essential given the Caribbean’s status as the world’s leading cruise tourism destination,” it said.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus and no widely available vaccine. Early medical care significantly improves outcomes.