New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has stepped up surveillance measures following a Hantavirus outbreak onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, with authorities closely monitoring the situation in coordination with national and international health agencies. 

According to a senior health official cited by NDTV, the ministry, along with the National Centre for Disease Control, the World Health Organisation and other international health authorities, has activated high-level surveillance mechanisms to prevent any potential domestic transmission of the virus.

Preliminary information shared under the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework has confirmed eight probable cases of Hantavirus infection onboard the vessel, of which five have already been laboratory-confirmed.

Three deaths have also been reported since the WHO was first informed about the outbreak earlier this month.

Health authorities said the outbreak is believed to be linked to the Andes strain of Hantavirus, which, unlike many other hantavirus strains, is capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

However, officials noted that the spread generally requires close and prolonged contact, and the overall global risk is currently considered low.

Despite the low-risk assessment, authorities remain cautious due to the virus’s long incubation period, which could result in additional cases emerging among passengers and crew members who are still under observation.

The WHO is currently coordinating the international response under the IHR mechanism.

Measures include strengthening diagnostic support, conducting epidemiological assessments, and ensuring safe disembarkation and onward travel arrangements for passengers and crew onboard the ship.

The health official further said that information received through IHR channels indicates that two Indian nationals are currently onboard the vessel.

Both individuals are asymptomatic at present and are being monitored under established international health protocols.

In response to the evolving situation, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the NCDC convened a high-level review meeting involving senior officials from IDSP and IHR-NFP India to assess the outbreak and review preparedness measures.

The Union Health Ministry said it remains vigilant and is maintaining close coordination with the WHO and other global health partners.

Authorities have also initiated precautionary public health measures to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Indian citizens.