By Ghazali Ibrahim
A rare outbreak of hantavirus linked to an international cruise has raised concerns across multiple countries, prompting close monitoring by global health authorities. However, experts say the situation is unlikely to escalate into a crisis on the scale of COVID-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies are tracking passengers and crew connected to the Dutch expedition vessel MV Hondius, following several severe illnesses and deaths among travellers who journeyed across Antarctica, the South Atlantic and parts of Africa.
The incident gained global attention after a 69-year-old Dutch woman collapsed shortly after arriving at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on April 25. She had flown in from Saint Helena Island aboard an Airlink flight and died the following day.
South African health officials later confirmed she tested positive for hantavirus, a rare rodent-borne disease that is not commonly reported on the continent.
Reports indicate that her husband had died weeks earlier while still on the same cruise ship. Meanwhile, another British passenger linked to the voyage remains in intensive care in Johannesburg, battling severe respiratory complications.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by viruses primarily carried by rodents such as rats and mice.
According to the WHO, infection typically occurs through contact with rodent urine, saliva or droppings, especially when contaminated particles become airborne and are inhaled.
Unlike COVID-19, which spreads easily between humans, person-to-person transmission of hantavirus is extremely rare.
Early symptoms often resemble the flu, including fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. These can rapidly progress into serious breathing difficulties and lung failure.
“There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or licensed vaccine for hantavirus infection,” the WHO noted, adding that care is largely supportive, including oxygen therapy and intensive medical treatment.
Why this outbreak is unusual
The current situation has drawn global attention partly because hantavirus cases are rarely associated with Africa.
“Local rodents in South Africa are not known to carry hantavirus,” South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told parliament while addressing the outbreak.
Health investigators are working to determine where exposure occurred during the voyage, which covered remote locations such as Antarctica, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena and Ascension Island.
The WHO reported that symptoms among affected passengers began between April 6 and April 28, initially presenting as fever and gastrointestinal illness before progressing to severe pneumonia and respiratory distress.
At least three deaths have been linked to the outbreak so far, while other suspected cases are still under observation aboard the vessel.
Is this another COVID-19 situation?
Despite growing fears online, the WHO has firmly dismissed suggestions that hantavirus could trigger a global pandemic similar to COVID-19.
“I want to be unequivocal here. This is not SARS-CoV-2. This is not the start of a COVID pandemic,” said WHO infectious disease epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove.
“This is not COVID, this is not influenza — it spreads very, very differently.”
She explained that the strain involved in this outbreak is transmitted mainly through close and specific exposure, not widespread airborne spread, significantly reducing the likelihood of global transmission.
What the public should know
While the overall public health risk remains low, authorities are urging vigilance.
The WHO has advised passengers and crew linked to the cruise to monitor for symptoms for up to 45 days and seek immediate medical attention if they fall ill.
Recommended precautions include maintaining good hand hygiene, ensuring proper ventilation in enclosed spaces, practicing safe cleaning habits, and avoiding contact with rodents or contaminated environments.
Healthcare workers have also been urged to use protective equipment and promptly isolate suspected cases.
A reminder of global health risks
Although experts stress that hantavirus is not another COVID-19, the outbreak highlights how quickly infectious diseases can raise alarm in a highly connected world.
With memories of lockdowns, travel restrictions and strained healthcare systems still fresh, unusual outbreaks are likely to attract intense global scrutiny.
For now, health officials emphasise that caution and awareness not panic remain the most appropriate response.
