Professor Dr. Neeraj Nischal from the Medicine Department of AIIMS Delhi said on Saturday that there is no need to fear the Hantavirus, as no case has been reported in our country so far. He said that Hantavirus cannot spread like COVID. This disease existed before, but it has come into discussion now because of the virus found on the ship MV Hondius on Thursday. However, there is no danger of Hantavirus in India at present. 7 May: 3 dead on Hantavirus-hit ship carrying two Indians MV Hondius is a Dutch expedition cruise ship that operates tours in Antarctica and South Atlantic regions, but in May 2026, this ship came into international spotlight due to a serious health crisis. Several cases of Hanta virus infection emerged on the ship. During this time, 3 passengers died. Many other passengers and crew members fell ill. Some people had to be admitted to the ICU. The ship had to be stopped at sea because several countries did not immediately grant docking permission. The ship may reach Spain’s Canary Islands by May 10, where all passengers on board will be screened. WHO has said that the incident is serious, but for now the risk to the general public is considered low. Andes strain suspected in Hantavirus deaths According to WHO, the Andes strain is suspected in three deaths from hantavirus, which can also spread among humans. The Andes strain is mainly found in Argentina and Chile in South America. WHO has stated that the Andes strain is different from other hantaviruses. It spreads through infected rodents or their droppings and urine, but in some cases can also spread from human to human. However, this infection does not spread as rapidly as corona. The investigation revealed that the first two victims, a couple, had gone on a bird watching trip to Chile, Argentina and Uruguay before boarding the ship. According to WHO, a special type of virus-carrying rodent is found in these areas. Argentine agencies are now tracing the couple’s travel route.
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