PH ready to test Filipino crew from MV Hondius if repatriated amid hantavirus monitoring

The Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday the Philippines is prepared to conduct laboratory testing on the 38 Filipino crew members aboard expedition vessel MV Hondius should they return home amid international monitoring over possible hantavirus exposure linked to the ship.

In an interview on Unang Balita, DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Albert Domingo said the country has the capability to detect hantavirus through local laboratories if necessary.

“Meron naman po tayong capabilities. Kaya natin mag-testing. Yan po yung PCR at iba pang mga paraan natin sa mga laboratorio,” Domingo said.

(We have the capabilities. We can conduct testing, including PCR and other laboratory methods.)

The DOH official said the agency continues to receive updates through the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations system regarding the condition of the Filipino seafarers.

Asymptomatic

According to Domingo, all 38 crew members remain asymptomatic and are currently under strict quarantine procedures onboard the vessel.

“Yung ating 38 na kababayang Filipino seafarers ay okay naman po sila. Wala nga silang mga sintomas ng hantavirus at mga sakit nito,” he said.

“Our 38 Filipino seafarers are okay. They are not showing symptoms of hantavirus or related illnesses.”

“At sila po, nakabukod na. Hindi sila nakahalo. Mahigpit po ang quarantine procedures doon sa Hondius kaya hindi po sila nakahawa,” he added.

(They have been isolated and are not mingling with others. Quarantine procedures on the Hondius are strict, so there was no transmission.)

The WHO earlier traced around 80 individuals who may have been exposed to hantavirus after a passenger linked to the vessel reportedly traveled by plane. Passengers from the ship were initially not allowed to disembark in Cabo Verde.

Domingo said the ship operator is still deciding where the Hondius will dock, with Spain among the possible destinations being considered.

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The DOH official also reminded the public that hantavirus is primarily linked to exposure to infected rodent urine and droppings.

“Daga yung pinaka-vector na pinanggagalingan niya. Yung ihi at dumi nitong daga nito,” Domingo said.

(Rodents are the primary source or vector. The virus comes from their urine and droppings.)

He urged the public to practice proper sanitation and exercise caution when cleaning areas contaminated by rats.

“Wag natin basta-basta nililinis. Kailangan maingat tayo sa paglilinis nito,” he said.

(We should not clean these carelessly. We need to be cautious when cleaning them.)

Domingo added that hantavirus symptoms may include fever, body pain, headaches, and respiratory complaints, although these are not unique to the disease.

“Hindi siya specific sa hantavirus. Kaya importante dito yung medical history of exposure,” he said.

(The symptoms are not specific to hantavirus, which is why a person’s history of exposure is important.)

The DOH earlier said the Philippines has not recorded any confirmed hantavirus case this year. — RSJ, GMA News