Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 9: A Goan chef is among the passengers aboard the expedition cruise vessel MV Hondius, which has drawn international attention following reported confirmed and suspected hantavirus cases during a South Atlantic and Antarctic voyage.

Chef Khabor Moraes, who is part of the onboard crew, has reassured family, friends and followers that he is “fit, fine, and doing well,” amid growing concern over the health situation on the ship.

In a social media post, Moraes thanked people for their support and messages, saying the situation onboard was being handled carefully and professionally. He also stated that no new infections had been reported recently on the vessel.

He added that passengers and crew were in safe hands, noting the presence of three additional doctors onboard, including a representative linked to the World Health Organization.

“Your prayers and messages have meant the world to me during this time. We are staying positive and focused,” he wrote.

The vessel had departed from Ushuaia in early April and undertaken a long expedition route covering Antarctica, South Georgia, and remote Atlantic islands. During the voyage, several passengers reportedly developed symptoms including fever, fatigue and respiratory issues, with some progressing to severe complications.

According to international reports, at least three deaths have been linked to the outbreak, while laboratory tests confirmed hantavirus infection in at least two cases. One patient is said to remain critically ill, with others under observation.

Because of the international passenger list and multi-country travel route, health agencies across multiple nations have begun surveillance and contact tracing efforts.

Hantavirus infections are typically associated with exposure to infected rodents or inhalation of contaminated particles. Human-to-human transmission is rare in most strains, and global health authorities have assessed the overall risk as low.

Medical experts note that early symptoms resemble flu-like illness, including fever, muscle pain and fatigue, but severe cases can progress to respiratory failure. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment, and care is largely supportive, including oxygen therapy and intensive medical care.