Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Claims Three Lives

Three individuals have died amid a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship traveling in the Atlantic. The World Health Organization reported one confirmed case, alongside five additional suspected cases, according to information provided to Agence France-Presse on Sunday.

Out of the six people affected, three have died, and one remains in intensive care in South Africa. Notably, two of the deceased were a couple, aged 70 and 69.

The individual receiving intensive care is identified as a 69-year-old British national, as per the BBC’s account.

A spokesperson from the Dutch foreign ministry confirmed the deaths of two passengers from the Netherlands but did not share further details.

The outbreak originated from the MV Hondius, which was en route from Argentina to Cape Verde.

This cruise ship is run by the Dutch tour operator Oceanwide Expeditions, although the company has yet to provide any comments on the situation.

Earlier updates from South Africa’s health ministry indicated a “severe acute respiratory illness” outbreak had claimed at least two lives, with a third victim in intensive care in Johannesburg.

According to South African representative Foster Mohale, the patient in Johannesburg has tested positive for hantavirus, a virus group that can cause hemorrhagic fever.

Hantavirus is typically contracted through contact with the waste of infected rodents but, in rare occurrences, can transfer between humans. It can lead to serious respiratory issues.

The initial patient to exhibit symptoms was a 70-year-old passenger, who unfortunately passed away on the ship. His body is currently located on the island of Saint Helena, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic, Mohale disclosed.

The man’s wife, also aged 69, became ill on the ship and was later evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a hospital in Johannesburg.

While their nationalities aren’t officially confirmed, a source familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously, indicated they were a Dutch couple.

The third fatality was reported to still be onboard the ship as of Sunday evening.

In another case, a 69-year-old Briton was evacuated to Johannesburg and is receiving intensive care.

Discussions are currently taking place to decide whether two additional sick passengers should be isolated in a Cape Verde hospital. Afterward, the MV Hondius is expected to continue its journey to Spain’s Canary Islands, according to the anonymous source.

The WHO mentioned it is “facilitating coordination” between national authorities and the ship’s operators to arrange the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers.

The MV Hondius is considered a polar cruise ship by various travel agencies. One of its itineraries includes a departure from Ushuaia in Argentina with a route to Cape Verde, incorporating stops at South Georgia and Saint Helena.

This vessel has the capacity for roughly 170 passengers and employs around 70 crew members. As of Sunday, tracking sites indicated that the MV Hondius was near the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde.

The UK’s Foreign Office stated, “We are closely monitoring reports of a potential hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius and stand ready to assist British nationals if necessary. We are in contact with the cruise company and local authorities.”