Cruise ship hantavirus case confirmed in Switzerland, patient under treatment

A former passenger from a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak is being treated in a hospital in Zurich, Swiss authorities said on Wednesday.

According to an AFP report, the patient tested positive for the virus after returning from a trip to South America, raising concerns over the spread of the rare disease.

The Swiss health ministry said that the man is receiving care at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ), which is equipped to handle such cases.

According to the report, officials have stressed that there is currently no risk to the general public, adding that the hospital can ensure the safety of both staff and patients.

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Outbreak linked to cruise ship

The patient had travelled on the MV Hondius, a cruise ship that has been at the centre of an international health alert after multiple suspected hantavirus cases and deaths were reported.

The MV Hondius, sailing under the Dutch flag, departed from Ushuaia in Argentina on April 1 and has since been anchored off Cape Verde. The World Health Organization (WHO) was alerted after three passengers died, with hantavirus suspected as the cause.

The cruise carried 88 passengers and 59 crew members from 23 different countries. So far, three confirmed cases — including one fatality — and five suspected cases have been linked to the ship. A British passenger is also reported to be in intensive care in Johannesburg.

Hantavirus is a rare disease typically spread through contact with infected rodents, especially via their urine, droppings, or saliva. As per some reports, there is also a possibility of human to human transmission in some cases.

Patient monitored, low public risk

According to the report, Swiss authorities said that the Zurich patient developed symptoms after returning home and sought medical help. Tests conducted by Geneva University Hospitals confirmed that he had the Andes strain of hantavirus — the only known type that can spread between humans, though only through close contact.

Officials said the patient’s wife has not shown any symptoms but is self-isolating as a precaution. Authorities are also tracing any possible contacts during the patient’s infectious period.

The health ministry maintained that the risk of further cases in Switzerland is low. Meanwhile, the WHO said it is working with countries to ensure passengers, crew members, and contacts receive proper guidance to prevent further spread of the virus.

(With inputs from agencies).