Three people have died and at least three others are sick after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship sailing the Atlantic. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the South African Department of Health confirmed on Sunday that they are already investigating the case, although there is only one confirmed positive so far. One of the patients is in intensive care in a South African hospital, and the evacuation of two other passengers with symptoms who are still on board is being managed.
The ship, a small polar cruise ship
The vessel, the MV Hondius, operated by the Dutch Oceanwide Expeditions, left Argentina three weeks ago. Its route included Antarctica, the Malvinas Islands and other stops, with a final destination in the Canary Islands. Today it is off Cape Verde, where local authorities do not allow disembarkation. The company assures that the two sick crew members need urgent care, but there is still no green light to transfer them.
The victims: a married couple and a third passenger
The first victim was a 70-year-old man, who died on board. His body was removed to Saint Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic. His wife collapsed at an airport in South Africa while trying to fly to the Netherlands; He died in a nearby hospital. The third victim is still on board, according to the operator. The patient in intensive care is a British citizen who fell ill near Ascension Island.
“WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise ship,” the organization said in a statement.
How is it transmitted?
Hantavirus is primarily spread by rodents: urine, feces, or saliva from infected rats and mice. Although rare, it can be transmitted between people. There is no cure or specific treatment, but early care increases the chances of survival. The virus causes two serious syndromes: pulmonary (affects the lungs) and renal (damages the kidneys).
What’s next
The WHO is working with authorities and the shipping company for a risk assessment. South Africa’s National Institute of Communicable Diseases does contact tracing in Johannesburg to see if anyone else was exposed. Meanwhile, some 150 passengers and 70 crew await answers at sea.
