A suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean has resulted in three deaths, including an elderly couple. At least one case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed among the affected individuals.
Three other passengers have fallen ill due to this suspected outbreak. The ship was located off the coast of Cape Verde when the situation escalated. It had departed from Argentina three weeks prior, during a cruise that included visits to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands.
Around 150 passengers were onboard at the time of the outbreak. The first victim was a 70-year-old man who died on the ship. His wife collapsed at an airport in South Africa and later died in a hospital. One patient remains in intensive care at a South African facility.
The Dutch company operating the cruise is Oceanwide Expeditions. Health experts note that hantavirus infections are primarily spread through contact with infected rodents. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is uncommon.
Key facts:
- A total of three deaths have been reported due to the hantavirus outbreak.
- One confirmed case of hantavirus infection has been identified.
- Three additional passengers have fallen ill.
- The initial victim was a 70-year-old man who died aboard the ship.
Local health authorities have visited the vessel to assess the condition of two symptomatic individuals. WHO is aware of and supporting this public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, Hans Kluge from WHO reassured that there is no need for panic or travel restrictions.
The exact source of this hantavirus outbreak is still not confirmed, and investigations continue. As more information becomes available, health authorities aim to mitigate any potential public health risks associated with rodent transmission.