Singapore has isolated and is testing two residents for hantavirus after their exposure on a cruise ship linked to a deadly outbreak. The passengers were among those aboard the MV Hondius, where several infections and deaths have already been reported. The case has triggered international monitoring of passengers to prevent further spread.
Health authorities said three people have died in the outbreak, including a Dutch couple and a German national. At least eight others are believed to have contracted the virus during the cruise. The ship had departed from Ushuaia in Argentina on April 1 before reports of infections emerged. Countries are now tracing passengers who were onboard to assess potential exposure risks.
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The two Singapore residents, aged 67 and 65, are being monitored at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. Officials said one patient is mildly unwell while the other shows no symptoms. Authorities stressed that the overall risk to the public in Singapore remains low. Testing will determine whether further quarantine or hospital treatment is required.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents but can rarely spread between humans. The two men also traveled on the same flight as another confirmed case linked to the outbreak. That patient, who did not travel to Singapore, has since died in South Africa. Health agencies are coordinating internationally to track exposure chains and prevent further infections.
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The outbreak has prompted widespread surveillance of cruise passengers across multiple countries. Authorities continue to monitor potential cases and enforce quarantine measures where necessary. Experts say early detection and isolation remain key to containing rare but serious viral outbreaks.