Passengers aboard an Atlantic cruise ship face a health scare after an outbreak left three people dead and several others unwell, with authorities monitoring the situation closely and arranging medical support. AFP
Three people have died and several others have fallen ill following an outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Confirmed and Suspected Cases
The ship was travelling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde when the outbreak occurred. The WHO confirmed that one case of hantavirus has been identified through laboratory testing, with five additional suspected cases.
Out of the six affected individuals, three have died. One person remains in intensive care in South Africa.
Hantavirus is a rare illness typically linked to exposure to infected rodents or their droppings. In some cases, it can lead to serious respiratory complications.
Early Reports of Severe Illness
South Africa’s health ministry earlier reported an outbreak of a severe respiratory illness linked to the cruise. Officials confirmed that at least two people had died, with another patient in critical condition in Johannesburg.
A spokesperson for the ministry said the patient treated in Johannesburg tested positive for hantavirus, a virus known to cause serious disease in humans.
The WHO stated that although human-to-human transmission is rare, hantavirus infections can still pose a serious health risk and require close monitoring and care.
Victims Identified
The first reported case involved a 70-year-old passenger who developed symptoms while on board. He later died on the ship, and his body was taken to Saint Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic.
His 69-year-old wife also became ill during the journey. She was evacuated to South Africa but later died in a hospital in Johannesburg.
A third affected passenger, a 69-year-old British man, was also evacuated and is currently receiving treatment in intensive care.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the nationalities of all the victims.
Response Efforts Underway
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organization is working closely with the ship’s operators and affected countries.
He noted that medical evacuations are being arranged for sick passengers and that a full risk assessment is underway.
“Rapid, coordinated action is critical to contain risks and protect public health,” he said.
Discussions are ongoing about whether two additional passengers should be isolated in hospital in Cape Verde before the ship continues its journey to Spain’s Canary Islands.
About the Cruise Ship
The MV Hondius is a polar expedition cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. It can carry around 170 passengers along with approximately 70 crew members.
The voyage included stops at South Georgia and Saint Helena before heading toward Cape Verde.
Ship tracking data showed the vessel near Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, at the time of the report.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus infections are usually spread through contact with rodents, their urine, droppings, or contaminated dust. Symptoms can vary depending on the strain but may include fever and severe respiratory illness.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation as investigations into the outbreak proceed.
