A suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, a luxury cruise ship, has resulted in three deaths and left nearly 150 passengers stranded off the coast of Cape Verde. Seven cases of hantavirus have been identified, including two laboratory-confirmed cases and five suspected cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating the outbreak. The vessel was on a voyage from Argentina to Antarctica when the situation escalated. Among those affected are four Canadians.
The deceased include a Dutch couple—70-year-old man and his 69-year-old wife. A British man evacuated to South Africa is in critical condition and has tested positive for hantavirus.
Hantavirus can cause fatal respiratory illness, primarily spread through contact with rodent droppings or urine. Symptoms may appear one to eight weeks after exposure. There is currently no specific treatment; supportive care remains the focus for those infected.
As of midday, strict precautionary measures are in place aboard the MV Hondius. Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise operator, stated that there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the exact source of this outbreak.
The WHO considers the risk to the wider public low, although concerns about potential person-to-person transmission have arisen—this is considered rare but not impossible. Experts emphasize that even a single infected rodent can trigger an infection.
Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation. They are prepared to implement additional measures if necessary as investigations continue.