Malaysia’s Health Ministry says no Malaysians were aboard the cruise ship linked to a Hantavirus outbreak as authorities monitor developments.
PETALING JAYA: No Malaysians were on board the international cruise vessel linked to a recent Hantavirus infection cluster, the Health Ministry (MOH) has confirmed.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry had taken note of the reported cases involving the cruise ship and assured the public that the situation remains under control, with no local exposure detected.
“Recently, MOH took note of reports concerning a Hantavirus infection linked to an international cruise vessel. I would like to assure the public that no Malaysians were on board the said cruise ship,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Dzulkefly added that following direct communication between MOH and Singapore’s health authorities earlier today, it was confirmed that two Singaporean crew members initially suspected of infection had tested negative for Hantavirus.
“Contact tracing efforts are currently being actively carried out,” he said.
The minister stressed that although the situation does not involve Malaysian citizens, MOH will continue to closely monitor global and regional developments to ensure the country’s border preparedness and health response system remain at the highest level.
He also reminded the public that Hantavirus is a rodent-borne disease transmitted through the inhalation of particles contaminated by infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva.
“This infection should not be taken lightly, as complications can be fatal, with the mortality rate for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome reaching 30% to 40%,” Dzulkefly said.
As there is currently no specific antiviral treatment, he said prevention remains the most important measure.
“The public is advised not to panic, but to remain vigilant. I urge everyone to maintain cleanliness at homes and workplaces and to prevent rodent infestations,” he added.
According to international news reports, health authorities are investigating a Hantavirus outbreak that unfolded over several weeks aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise vessel MV Hondius as it sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.
At least three passengers have reportedly died, while several others fell ill and were subsequently evacuated from the ship.
More than 140 passengers and crew members remain on board as the vessel continues its journey towards Spain’s Canary Islands.
Hantavirus is a rodent-borne infection which, in rare cases, can be transmitted between humans. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasised that the risk of wider community transmission remains low, as the virus does not spread easily from person to person.
Authorities are currently tracing passengers who disembarked earlier, as well as individuals who may have had contact with them, as part of ongoing containment efforts.
Timeline of the outbreak
April 1
The vessel departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina, with scheduled stops including Antarctica and several remote islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
April 6
A 70-year-old Dutch passenger fell ill on board, experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache and mild diarrhoea. According to the WHO, before joining the cruise, he and his wife had visited Ushuaia and travelled to other parts of Argentina and Chile.
