The Kochi Port authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance following deaths linked to hantavirus infection aboard a Dutch cruise ship. Though no formal alert has been issued, standard operating procedures for infectious diseases remain in place, according to port sources.

The move comes amid communication from the World Health Organisation to member nations, urging vigilance and basic precautionary measures for ships arriving from affected regions.

“There is no cause for alarm. The hantavirus infections have so far been restricted to the vessel and are therefore contained. Only a rare strain of the virus has the potential for human-to-human transmission. Moreover, the transmissibility of the virus is nowhere close to that of COVID-19,” sources at the Kochi port said. They added that no national-level guidelines or advisories had been received so far.

The outbreak was reported on the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, where three deaths have been reported. The infection is linked to the Andes virus strain of hantavirus. Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses carried by rodents.

“There is no specific treatment available, and only supportive medical care can be provided. The virus does not spread as rapidly or easily as COVID-19. Human-to-human transmission occurs only through close contact. One of the major challenges in diagnosing hantavirus infection is that its symptoms resemble those of several other viral infections. In addition, the severity and nature of the disease vary depending on the virus strain and geographical location,” the source said.

Port authorities said continued surveillance and health monitoring of passengers and crew arriving at the port would be carried out. A risk-based approach is currently being followed, with the disease categorised as low risk.

“Every ship arriving at the port is required to submit a mandatory health declaration, which provides information on any symptoms among passengers or crew. If anyone onboard shows symptoms suspected to be linked to hantavirus infection, appropriate measures such as isolation, quarantine, testing and monitoring will be initiated,” the source added.