The outbreak was reported on the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, where three deaths were reported | Photo credit: AFP
Kochi port authorities remain on high alert following deaths linked to hantavirus infection aboard a Dutch cruise ship. Although no formal warning has been issued, standard operating procedures for infectious diseases remain in place, according to port sources.
The move comes as the World Health Organization communicates with member states to call for vigilance and basic precautions for ships arriving from affected areas.
“There is no cause for alarm. Hantavirus infections have so far been confined to the vessel and are therefore contained. Only a rare strain of the virus has the potential for human-to-human transmission. Moreover, the transmissibility of the virus is nowhere near that of COVID-19,” Kochi port sources said. They added that no guidelines or recommendations have been received at the national level yet.
The outbreak was reported on the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, where three deaths were reported. The infection is associated with the Andean virus strain of hantavirus. Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses transmitted by rodents.
“There is no specific treatment available and only supportive medical care can be provided. The virus does not spread as quickly or easily as COVID-19. Transmission from person to person occurs only through close contact. One of the main problems in diagnosing hantavirus infection is that its symptoms resemble those of several other viral infections. In addition, the severity and nature of the disease varies depending on the strain of the virus and geographical location,” he said.
Port authorities said there will be round-the-clock surveillance and monitoring of the health of passengers and crew arriving at the port. A risk-based approach is currently applied, with the disease classified as low-risk.
“Each ship arriving in port is required to submit a mandatory health declaration that provides information on any symptoms among passengers or crew. If anyone on board shows symptoms of suspected hantavirus infection, appropriate measures such as isolation, quarantine, testing and monitoring will be initiated,” the source added.
Published – 10 May 2026 21:46 IST
