Cruise operator defends actions after first hantavirus infection; Precautions in place

Oceanwide Expeditions says it acted according to proper protocol after the death of a 69-year-old Dutch passenger aboard the Hondius. The company responded after an online video surfaced showing the ship’s captain describing the incident as a natural death. Details have emerged about ongoing efforts to contain the infection, including KLM’s decision-making after a critically ill cruise passenger boarded a KLM aircraft, and the confirmation of another cruise passenger with hantavirus being treated in Leiden.

The footage was filmed on April 12, a day after the Dutch passenger died. In the video, the captain tells those on board that the death is being treated as natural. “According to the doctor, it is not something contagious,” he says, adding that “the ship is safe in that regard.”

According to the company, the cause of death was still unknown at the time, and there were no signs of a virus outbreak or contamination on board the ship. Oceanwide Expeditions says it acted immediately after the first hantavirus infection among passengers was confirmed on May 4, instructing those on board to isolate where necessary and strictly follow hygiene measures.

Cabin crew members who worked on the KLM flight, briefly boarded by the Dutch woman who later died from hantavirus, had already continued working on other flights. According to VNC chairman Chris van Elswijk, KLM recalled the crew for monitoring by the GGD as soon as the airline understood the seriousness of the case, following reports published by De Telegraaf.

Van Elswijk said KLM “did not want to take any chances” and praised the airline for handling the situation with care.

It was announced on Thursday morning that a KLM stewardess is being tested for hantavirus after coming into contact in Johannesburg with the Dutch woman who later died from the infection. According to Van Elswijk, the situation has not triggered widespread concern among cabin crew. “I can’t speak for everyone personally,” he said, “but we certainly haven’t seen a wave of worried calls.”

KLM declined to comment on questions regarding the crew involved and any precautionary measures that may have been taken.

Preventive steps have been introduced on the Hondius cruise ship to reduce the risk of hantavirus transmission as much as possible. According to American epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove during a World Health Organization (WHO) briefing, cabins are being disinfected, passengers are largely confined to their rooms where meals and water are delivered, and they have been asked to wear face masks.

“We are also advising people who may have been infected to take extra precautions,” Van Kerkhove said. She added that the patient in intensive care in South Africa is showing signs of improvement.

Van Kerkhove added that both medical and psychological support are being offered to those on board. “There are naturally concerns on the ship, but also beyond it,” she said. According to her, the organisation aims to communicate as clearly as possible about what is happening in order to provide reassurance and clarity.

At present, no additional passengers or crew members on the cruise ship are displaying symptoms consistent with hantavirus infection.