The Union Health Ministry has intensified surveillance measures after a Hantavirus outbreak was reported onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, with authorities closely monitoring the situation in coordination with global health agencies.
According to a senior health official quoted by NDTV, the ministry, along with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international health agencies, has activated high-level surveillance systems to prevent any possible domestic transmission of the virus.
Preliminary information shared under the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework confirmed eight probable cases of Hantavirus infection onboard the vessel, of which five have been laboratory-confirmed.
Three deaths have also been reported since the WHO was first informed about the outbreak earlier this month.
Health authorities said the outbreak is believed to be linked to the Andes strain of Hantavirus, which is known to allow limited human-to-human transmission unlike many other strains.
However, officials noted that transmission generally requires close and prolonged contact, and the overall global risk remains low at present.
Despite the low-risk assessment, authorities are maintaining caution because the virus has a long incubation period, which may result in more cases emerging among passengers and crew members under observation.
The WHO is currently coordinating the international response under the IHR framework.
Measures being implemented include strengthening diagnostic support, carrying out epidemiological assessments, and ensuring safe disembarkation and onward travel arrangements for passengers and crew onboard the ship.
The health official further said that information received through IHR channels indicates that two Indian nationals are currently onboard the vessel.
Both individuals are asymptomatic at present and are being monitored under established international health protocols.
In response to the evolving situation, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the NCDC held a high-level review meeting involving senior officials from IDSP and IHR-NFP India to assess the outbreak and review preparedness measures.
The Union Health Ministry said it remains vigilant and is maintaining close coordination with the WHO and other global health partners.
Authorities have also initiated precautionary public health measures to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Indian citizens.
With Inputs From IANS