Geneva, May 4: A suspected outbreak of Hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported this alarming news on Monday.
The vessel, named MV Hondius, was en route from Argentina to Cape Verde with approximately 150 passengers on board. During the journey, one case of this rare and dangerous disease has been confirmed, alongside five other suspected cases.
According to the WHO, they are monitoring the situation and providing assistance. A total of six individuals are suspected to be infected, with three confirmed fatalities and one person currently in critical condition in an ICU in South Africa.
The WHO stated on X, “We are aware of the incident involving a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean and are offering support. So far, one case of Hantavirus has been confirmed in the lab, with five others under suspicion. Among these six individuals, three have died, and one is in serious condition.”
Investigations are ongoing. Patients are receiving treatment, and virus sequencing is being conducted to gather more information about the outbreak.
Hantavirus typically spreads from rodents to humans, particularly through contact with their urine or feces. It can cause severe respiratory illness and, in rare cases, can be transmitted from person to person.
This outbreak has occurred on the MV Hondius, a polar cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. The ship embarked on its journey from Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20 and was scheduled to arrive in Cape Verde on May 4.
The vessel measures approximately 107.6 meters in length and can accommodate up to 170 passengers, along with a crew of 57, 13 guides, and a doctor.
Among the affected individuals is a 69-year-old British citizen, who is currently hospitalized in an ICU in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The WHO has indicated that it is collaborating with various countries and the ship’s operators to ensure that two ill passengers receive immediate medical assistance and to assess the risk for the remaining travelers.
Additionally, the WHO has informed relevant countries about the situation and plans to release a detailed report soon.
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