A suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and left approximately 150 passengers stranded off the coast of Cape Verde. The outbreak has affected travelers on a polar cruise from Argentina to Antarctica.
As of early Tuesday, three passengers have died due to the suspected hantavirus, including a 70-year-old Dutch man and a 69-year-old Dutch woman. A British man is in critical condition after being evacuated to South Africa.
Officials have not confirmed the exact source of the outbreak, but hantavirus is typically spread through contact with rodent droppings or urine. At least three other individuals on board have also fallen ill, with two crew members showing symptoms.
The ship has been denied permission to dock in Cape Verde as a precautionary measure. The operator of the cruise, Oceanwide Expeditions, stated that they are cooperating with health authorities.
Key facts:
- Three passengers have died due to the suspected hantavirus outbreak.
- Around 150 people remain on board, including four Canadians.
- The World Health Organization reported that the risk to the wider public remains low.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge from WHO emphasized that there is no need for panic or travel restrictions at this time. He noted that while hantavirus infections can be severe, they are not easily transmitted between people.
Jake Rosmarin, a passenger on board, expressed concern: “We’re not just headlines. We’re people with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home.” The situation continues to develop as health officials monitor those affected.