The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that three people have died and at least six others are sickened due to a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel is currently docked in Praia, Cape Verde.
Key Takeaways
Three people have died and at least six are infected in a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship docked in Praia, Cape Verde. One confirmed case and five suspected cases include passengers from various nationalities. The WHO is coordinating medical evacuations and risk assessments.
According to multiple reports, one case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed by WHO, with five additional suspected cases under investigation. The infected individuals include passengers from various nationalities, including Dutch and British nationals. One 69-year-old British passenger is currently receiving intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Hantavirus infections are typically linked to exposure to the feces or urine of infected rodents but can also spread between people, leading to severe respiratory illness. There is no specific treatment for hantavirus, but early medical attention increases survival chances. The WHO is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship's operators for medical evacuation and public health risk assessment.
The MV Hondius, operated by Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions, departed from Ushuaia in Argentina on March 20 and was expected to complete its journey on May 4. The ship can accommodate about 170 passengers and has a crew of 70 members. South African health ministry spokesperson Foster Mohale confirmed that the first victim, an elderly man, died onboard, with his body currently on Saint Helena.
The WHO is providing medical care and support to passengers and crew while conducting further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations. The agency is also coordinating the evacuation of two symptomatic passengers for a full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board.
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