A deadly virus has entered Europe

An outbreak of hantavirus, a deadly rodent-borne infection, has occurred on the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.

In early April, the MV Hondius, en route from Argentina to the Canary Islands, was hit by an outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus, which has already killed three people and infected several others. Andes is one of the most contagious and deadly strains of hantavirus.

The first passenger died on board on April 11. His wife was evacuated to South Africa, where she also died. The WHO later confirmed that she had the Andes strain.

There are currently approximately 150 people on board from dozens of countries. Some of those infected have been evacuated.

According to passengers, 23 people disembarked on St. Helena and have since traveled to various countries, including the United States, Australia, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Some of them are infected.

A case of Andes virus infection has already been confirmed in Switzerland among a former passenger of the plane.

Media are also reporting a possible case in France involving a person who was not on the plane but may have been in contact with an infected passenger during the flight.

Andes virus is the only known strain of hantavirus that can be transmitted between people through contact.

In the early stages, the disease is almost indistinguishable from the flu (fever, aches, and weakness); then, the condition can rapidly worsen, leading to severe damage and lung or kidney failure. The mortality rate reaches 40%. There is no specific antiviral treatment; supportive care is used.

The WHO calls this situation "unusual and concerning."