India Closely Monitors Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship MV Hondius
The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the evolving situation following reported cases of hantavirus infection aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. Officials confirmed on Friday that three people have died, and five cases have been laboratory-confirmed among eight probable infections recorded on the vessel.
According to the ministry, India’s public health surveillance systems remain fully active. Authorities have clarified that no cases of hantavirus have been reported on Indian soil so far. The ministry is coordinating efforts with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international health agencies.
The outbreak was formally reported to the WHO during the first week of this month under the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework. Health authorities have identified the virus involved as the Andes strain of hantavirus, known for having comparatively limited human-to-human transmission. This strain generally requires close and prolonged contact between individuals for infection to spread.
The WHO has assessed the current public health risk as low. However, authorities have cautioned that additional cases may emerge because hantavirus can have a relatively long incubation period.
Sources in the Health Ministry indicated that two Indian nationals are currently on board the vessel. Both individuals are asymptomatic at present and remain under observation in accordance with established international health protocols.
A senior ministry official stated that the WHO is coordinating international response measures, which include strengthening diagnostic support, carrying out epidemiological assessments, and facilitating safe disembarkation and onward travel arrangements for passengers and crew members.
In light of the evolving situation, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre under the IDSP at the NCDC convened a high-level review meeting involving senior officials from both IDSP and India’s International Health Regulations National Focal Point.
The ministry emphasized that the activation of surveillance mechanisms is a precautionary measure and aligns with India’s commitment to proactive public health preparedness. Officials added that India remains in close contact with the WHO and other international partners and will continue to monitor the situation closely as developments unfold.
