The Union Health Ministry, in coordination with the NCDC, WHO, and international health authorities, has activated high-level surveillance following a Hantavirus outbreak onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius.
While the global risk is currently assessed as low, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) is closely monitoring the situation to prevent potential domestic transmission, a senior health official was cited by NDTV as saying.
Preliminary data shared under the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework confirms eight probable cases of Hantavirus onboard, with five already laboratory-confirmed.Tragically, three deaths have been reported since the WHO was first notified of the incident earlier this month.
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The virus is believed to have originated from Andes strain of hantavirus, WHO outlined. The strain, while capable of human-to-human transmission, typically requires close and prolonged contact to spread.
Despite the low-risk assessment, health officials warned that the virus's long incubation period could lead to additional cases being reported as passengers and crew remain under observation.
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According to the official, WHO is coordinating international response measures under the IHR mechanism, including strengthening diagnostic support, facilitating epidemiological assessment, and ensuring safe disembarkation and onward travel arrangements for passengers and crew.
He further underscored that information received through IHR channels indicates that two Indian nationals are currently onboard the vessel. Both individuals are presently asymptomatic and are under observation in accordance with established international health protocols.
In light of the evolving situation and as a precautionary public health measure, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) under IDSP, NCDC convened a high-level review meeting involving senior officials from IDSP and IHR-NFP India to assess the situation and review preparedness measures.
The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and is maintaining close coordination with WHO and other international partners and necessary public health measures are also being undertaken proactively to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Indian citizens, as per the official.
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