PANAJI: A Goan chef is among those onboard the expedition cruise vessel M/V Hondius, which has come under international attention following confirmed and suspected hantavirus cases during a South Atlantic and Antarctic voyage.
Chef Khabor Moraes has now reassured family, friends, and followers that he is “fit, fine, and doing well” amid concerns over the health situation onboard.
In a Facebook post, Moraes thanked people for their outpouring of love and concern over the past few days following reports linked to the voyage.
Referring to the unfortunate situation onboard the ship, he said the matter was being managed with the utmost care and added that there were no additional cases of infection on the vessel.
He further stated that passengers and crew were in excellent hands, with three additional doctors onboard, including a representative from the World Health Organization.
“Your prayers and messages have meant the world to me during this time. We are staying positive and focused,” Moraes wrote.
The Dutch-flagged expedition vessel had departed from Ushuaia in early April and travelled through Antarctica, South Georgia, and isolated Atlantic islands.
According to international reports, passengers onboard began developing fever, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms during the voyage, with some cases later progressing into severe respiratory distress.
At least three deaths have reportedly been linked to the outbreak, while laboratory testing confirmed hantavirus infection in at least two cases. One patient remains critically ill, and several others are under observation.
Health agencies across at least 12 countries are now involved in surveillance and contact tracing efforts because of the international passenger list and travel route.
Hantavirus is primarily spread through contact with infected rodents or inhalation of particles contaminated by rodent urine, saliva, or droppings. Human-to-human transmission is considered rare in most strains, and the World Health Organization has reportedly assessed the overall global risk as low.
Medical experts say symptoms initially resemble flu, including fever, muscle pain, and fatigue, but in severe cases can lead to respiratory failure and shock. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment, and care is mainly supportive through oxygen therapy and intensive care management
