Three Die On Cruise Ship After Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak, WHO Investigates Cases

Three passengers have died and several others have fallen ill after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on board the expedition cruise vessel MV Hondius, according to health authorities and the ship’s operator.

The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde with around 150 passengers.

The voyage had started about three weeks ago and included stops in Antarctica before heading toward the Atlantic island nation.

The World Health Organization said that one case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed through laboratory testing, while five more cases are suspected.

Out of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Among the dead are two Dutch passengers, a 70-year-old man and his 69-year-old wife.

One of them died on board the vessel, while the other was taken to South Africa for treatment but later died there. The third person who died is still on the ship.

The cruise operator said two deaths took place on board and one happened after the passenger was taken off the ship.

It also confirmed that two more people on board need urgent medical care. However, authorities in Cape Verde have not allowed them to disembark for treatment so far.

The WHO said it is working with different countries and the ship operator to arrange medical evacuation for the sick passengers and to assess the health risk for others on board.

Further testing and investigations are ongoing to understand the situation better.

Hantavirus is a group of viruses usually spread by rodents. People can get infected by breathing in particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. In rare cases, it can spread between people.

The infection often starts with symptoms like fever, fatigue, and muscle pain. In some cases, it can become severe and affect the lungs or kidneys.

Health agencies say the disease can be fatal, especially when it leads to breathing problems

There is no specific treatment for hantavirus. Patients are given supportive care such as oxygen, ventilators, and intensive care depending on how serious their condition is.

So far, officials have not confirmed that hantavirus is the direct cause of all three deaths.

The cruise operator said the exact cause is still being investigated, and the virus has not been confirmed in the two sick passengers who remain on board.

The ship is currently off Cape Verde as discussions continue on medical evacuation, isolation measures, and the return of affected passengers.

References: Reuters, BBC