Commentary: Cruise ship hantavirus outbreak highlights urgent need for better ventilation and hygiene at sea

“The recent hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship highlights the critical need for proactive measures to manage air quality, sanitation and rodent control, particularly in enclosed environments such as ships travelling to endemic regions.

“This incident serves as a powerful reminder that safeguarding passenger health demands a holistic approach – combining robust ventilation systems, effective cleaning protocols and targeted interventions to minimise exposure to zoonotic diseases and prevent such outbreaks in the future.

“Through our own research at the University of Surrey’s Global Centre for Clean Air Research and initiatives such as the HealthySailing Project, we are developing evidence-based strategies to enhance air quality and address health risks from environmental and biological hazards.”