90-Second Read: Inside caravan quarantine village for Hantavirus ship… with new cruise in DAYS

AN ENTIRE village has been built to quarantine the crew of the doomed MV Hondius cruise ship, plagued by the rat-carried Hantavirus. The Hantavirus outbreak aboard the Hondius is the first known case on a cruise ship. The WHO confirmed that the outbreak on the cruise ship is the Andes Hantavirus. In theory, this is where they would have to spend the recommended 42-day quarantine period, tested and monitored daily for symptoms of the deadly rat virus.

Passengers onboard the MV Hondius now face a weeks-long quarantine as officials scramble to contain the deadly outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are 10,000 to 100,000 cases in humans every year across the world. Although uncommon, limited human to human transmission has been reported in previous outbreaks of Andes virus, a specific species of Hantavirus. Virus researcher Erik Hill explains: "Common disinfectants and UV light are sufficient to kill the virus." It will have to be a quick turnaround as another luxury cruise is scheduled to kick off on the Hondius in just 12 days.

After everyone on board has disembarked, the Dutch-flagged cruise ship, infested by rats and bugs spreading the virus, will be decontaminated. Only found in the mountains of Argentina and Chile, the strain is the only Hantavirus that has demonstrated the ability to spread between humans. Key signs of Hantavirus include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and the rapid-onset of breathing difficulties. Hantaviruses are spread by rats, through contact with their urine, droppings and saliva.

South African officials also confirmed the Andes strain had caused infections in two of the cruise passengers. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Hantavirus, making prevention the most effective measure. Public health officials will inspect the vessel before it is allowed to set sail again.