Kathmandu. What began as an adventurous sea voyage from Argentina has now become a global health challenge. The Hantavirus outbreak, which originated on the cruise ship ‘MV Hondius’ as it traveled through Antarctica toward African waters, has now reached as far as Spain and the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha.
On Friday, health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) went on high alert after a 32-year-old woman in Alicante, Spain, exhibited severe symptoms. So far, three deaths have been confirmed in connection with this outbreak.
What is this new 'Andes Strain'?
Typically, Hantavirus spreads to humans through the droppings or urine of rodents. However, this current outbreak involves the 'Andes strain,' which is the only known variant capable of human-to-human transmission. Health officials state that the virus can spread between people only through prolonged and extremely close contact with an infected individual.
How did the infection spread?
The infected woman in Spain reportedly shared a flight with a Dutch woman who had been a passenger on the ‘MV Hondius’ cruise. That Dutch woman later passed away while receiving treatment in Johannesburg. Similarly, the suspected case on Tristan da Cunha has been identified as another passenger from the same ship.
Impact and Risks for South Asia and Nepal
Although the infections are currently centered around Europe and African waters, the outbreak has raised concerns in South Asia. Experts suggest countries like Nepal need to remain vigilant for the following reasons:
Tourism and Travel: Given the high influx of European tourists to Nepal and the fact that Nepalis are spread across the globe for foreign employment, there is a risk of the virus entering through individuals with recent 'travel history.'
Nepalese Workers on Cruises: A significant number of South Asian youths, including Nepalis and Indians, work on cruise ships worldwide. Such outbreaks directly threaten their health and livelihoods.
Lack of Health Surveillance: The absence of advanced technology to detect rare viruses at Nepal’s international airports and border points creates a risk of 'silent' infections entering the country.
Economic Impact: If the outbreak escalates, global air travel and the tourism sector could be impacted again, directly hitting Nepal’s tourism-dependent economy.
Is there a need to panic?
Aness Legrand, a technical officer at the World Health Organization, clarified that the public does not need to panic immediately, as this virus does not spread as rapidly as COVID-19. However, people are advised to consult a doctor if they experience symptoms such as high fever, muscle aches, headaches, or breathing difficulties.
Currently, the ‘MV Hondius’ is under strict surveillance in the waters near Cape Verde. Experts suggest that Nepal's Ministry of Health and relevant agencies should closely monitor international health bulletins and keep the public informed.
