NEW DELHI: India has intensified precautionary surveillance and monitoring measures after reports of a hantavirus outbreak aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, although the World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the overall international public health risk as low.
Senior officials in the Union Health Ministry said authorities are closely tracking the situation in coordination with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), WHO and other international health agencies operating under the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework.
According to information shared through global health surveillance channels, eight probable cases of hantavirus infection have been reported among passengers and crew onboard the vessel, with five cases laboratory confirmed. Three deaths linked to the outbreak have also been recorded. WHO was informed about the incident earlier this month.
Health experts said the infections are believed to involve the Andes strain of hantavirus — a rare subtype mainly reported from parts of South America. Unlike most hantaviruses, the Andes variant has shown limited human-to-human transmission, though experts stress that spread generally occurs only through prolonged close contact.
Officials said WHO has not raised concerns of widespread international transmission, but global agencies remain cautious because hantavirus infections can have a relatively long incubation period, increasing the possibility of delayed detection of additional cases.
“India is maintaining continuous coordination with WHO and relevant international authorities while keeping surveillance systems alert,” a senior Health Ministry official said.
Under the IHR mechanism, WHO is currently coordinating epidemiological investigations, laboratory support, passenger tracing and safe travel arrangements linked to the outbreak. International authorities are also carrying out contact tracing and health monitoring of passengers and crew members associated with the cruise vessel.
Sources indicated that two Indian nationals are among those currently onboard the ship. However, both individuals are reportedly asymptomatic and remain under medical observation as part of international precautionary protocols.
Following the development, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), functioning under the IDSP and NCDC, convened a high-level review meeting involving senior surveillance experts and IHR officials to assess preparedness and response strategies.
Discussions focused on risk assessment, international coordination, travel-related monitoring and review of standard operating procedures in case any suspected infections are detected in India. Authorities are also examining preparedness measures linked to ports of entry, including airports and maritime checkpoints.
Officials emphasized that there is no evidence at present of any domestic spread or public health emergency within India. However, given the nature of international travel and delayed symptom onset associated with hantavirus infections, authorities said continued vigilance remains essential.
Hantaviruses are rodent-borne pathogens that can cause severe respiratory and kidney-related illnesses in humans. Infection generally occurs through exposure to infected rodent urine, saliva or droppings. The Andes strain remains one of the few variants known to occasionally demonstrate limited person-to-person transmission.
Public health experts said India’s disease surveillance network remains fully operational and capable of responding rapidly if any suspected case emerges. Coordination between health authorities, immigration officials and international surveillance systems will continue as part of routine preparedness efforts.
“All necessary precautionary steps are being taken proactively to safeguard public health while closely monitoring global developments related to the outbreak,” officials said.
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