Two Indian nationals onboard the expedition cruise vessel MV Hondius are currently asymptomatic and under medical observation after multiple probable cases of hantavirus infection were reported during the ship’s South Atlantic and Antarctic voyage.
Union health ministry sources on Friday confirmed that information received through International Health Regulations (IHR) channels indicated that the two Indians remain under observation in accordance with international health protocols. Officials stated that the ministry is maintaining close coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health authorities as the situation continues to evolve.
According to preliminary details shared under the WHO’s IHR framework, eight probable hantavirus cases have been reported onboard the Dutch-flagged expedition vessel, of which five have been laboratory confirmed. Three deaths linked to the outbreak have also been reported. WHO was informed of the situation during the first week of May.
An official associated with the monitoring process said the strain involved is the Andes strain of hantavirus, which has limited capability for human-to-human transmission and generally requires close and prolonged contact for spread.
“The WHO has assessed the current public health risk as low, although additional cases may still emerge because of the relatively long incubation period associated with the infection,” the official said.
Authorities said the Union health ministry is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), WHO, and other international public health agencies.
The WHO is currently coordinating international response measures under the IHR mechanism, including epidemiological assessments, strengthening diagnostic support systems, and facilitating safe disembarkation and onward travel arrangements for passengers and crew.
In view of the situation, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) functioning under IDSP and NCDC convened a high-level review meeting involving senior officials from IDSP and IHR-NFP India to assess preparedness and review precautionary measures.
Officials said the Union health ministry remains vigilant and that precautionary public health measures are being proactively undertaken to safeguard Indian citizens.
Among those onboard the vessel is Goan chef Khabor Moraes, who addressed concerns regarding the outbreak through a public message on social media.
In a Facebook post, Moraes reassured family, friends, and followers that he was “fit, fine, and doing well” amid growing concern surrounding the health situation onboard the vessel.
“Your prayers and messages have meant the world to me during this time. We are staying positive and focused,” Moraes wrote.
Referring to the medical situation onboard, Moraes stated that the matter was being managed carefully and added that there had been no additional cases reported on the vessel. He also said passengers and crew were receiving support from three additional doctors onboard, including a WHO representative.
The MV Hondius had departed from Ushuaia in early April and travelled through Antarctica, South Georgia, and several remote Atlantic islands before the outbreak drew international attention.
International reports stated that several passengers developed fever, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms during the voyage, with some later progressing into severe respiratory distress.
Laboratory testing reportedly confirmed hantavirus infection in at least two cases, while one patient remains critically ill and several others continue to remain under medical observation.
Because of the vessel’s multinational passenger list and travel route, health authorities across at least 12 countries are now involved in surveillance and contact tracing efforts.
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected rodents or inhalation of particles contaminated by rodent urine, saliva, or droppings. Human-to-human transmission remains rare in most strains of the virus.
Medical experts say early symptoms often resemble influenza and may include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, and respiratory discomfort. In severe cases, the infection can progress rapidly into respiratory failure and shock.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections, and medical management largely depends on supportive care, including oxygen therapy and intensive care treatment where necessary.
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