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The Kochi Port authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance following deaths linked to hantavirus infection aboard a Dutch cruise ship. 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.
The outbreak was reported on the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, where three deaths have been reported, with the infection linked to the Andes virus strain of hantavirus. According to port sources, there is no cause for alarm as the hantavirus infections have so far been restricted to the vessel and are therefore contained.
Port authorities said continued surveillance and health monitoring of passengers and crew arriving at the port would be carried out, with a risk-based approach currently being followed, and 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.
The court or relevant health authorities have not announced any immediate next steps, but the port authorities will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate measures as necessary. The World Health Organisation's guidance will be followed, and any updates or changes to the situation will be reported.