Monitoring of Hantavirus Infection on MV Hondius

India's health ministry is actively monitoring the situation concerning hantavirus infections reported on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius. This is in light of confirmed fatalities and infections onboard, with two Indian crew members among those aboard the ship.

Situation Overview

• Three deaths and five laboratory-verified hantavirus cases have been confirmed among eight probable infections onboard the ship.
• The vessel, stranded in the Atlantic Ocean, hosts 149 people, including two Indian crew members.
• The hantavirus strain identified is the Andes strain, known for limited human-to-human transmission capabilities.

Health Ministry's Response

• India's surveillance networks remain fully active, with no cases reported on Indian soil.
• The ministry is in coordination with: 
  1. National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
  2. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
  3. World Health Organization (WHO)
  4. Other international health authorities
• WHO was notified under the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework.
• Public health risk is assessed as low by WHO, but caution is advised due to the virus's long incubation period.

International and National Responses

• Two asymptomatic Indian nationals onboard are under observation following international protocols.
• WHO is coordinating international responses including: 
  1. Strengthening diagnostic support
  2. Facilitating epidemiological assessments
  3. Ensuring safe disembarkation and travel arrangements
• The Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) at NCDC convened a high-level review meeting.

This proactive surveillance aligns with India's obligations under IHR and highlights the commitment to proactive public health responses.