A deadly hantavirus outbreak has been reported on a luxury cruise ship stranded in the Atlantic Ocean, with confirmed and suspected cases raising health concerns among passengers and authorities.
According to Beyond Time News, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed two cases of hantavirus and identified five more as suspected among passengers aboard the Hondius, which is currently held off the coast of Cape Verde.
Casualties and Infections
The outbreak has resulted in three deaths, including a Dutch couple and a German national. One patient remains in critical condition, while three others are experiencing mild symptoms.
A British passenger who fell seriously ill was evacuated earlier and is now receiving treatment in Johannesburg, where the infection has been confirmed by health authorities.
Ship Remains at Sea
Around 150 passengers are still onboard the Hondius, which began its journey from Argentina in March. The vessel has been denied docking permission as a precaution, with authorities in Cape Verde requesting it remain offshore.
The ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said the situation onboard is stable, and efforts are underway to screen passengers and arrange safe disembarkation. Possible destinations include Spain’s Las Palmas or Tenerife.
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Contact Tracing Underway
Health officials are also tracing passengers from a flight between Saint Helena and Johannesburg after a passenger who later died had traveled while symptomatic.
Low Risk to Public
The WHO emphasized that the risk to the wider public remains low. Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents and rarely transmits between humans.
Background of the Voyage
The Hondius had been on an Antarctic expedition, visiting remote locations including Tristan da Cunha. The cruise departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina and catered mainly to international tourists.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to contain the outbreak and ensure passenger safety remain ongoing.
