New Delhi, May 8 -- India's health ministry has initiated comprehensive precautionary surveillance measures in response to reported cases of hantavirus infection occurring onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, according to the two officials familiar with the matter.

The ministry is monitoring the situation in close coordination with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The officials cited above confirmed that two Indian nationals are currently onboard the MV Hondius. "Both individuals are presently asymptomatic and are under observation in accordance with established international health protocols," one of the officials said.

"The Un...