Three people have died and several others are receiving medical attention following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, a polar cruise ship travelling across the Atlantic Ocean from Argentina to Cape Verde.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Sunday that one case of hantavirus has been laboratory confirmed, while five additional suspected cases are currently under investigation. Among the six reported cases, three people have died and one passenger remains in intensive care in South Africa.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to assist British nationals if necessary.
Victims Identified
According to reports, the first victim was a 70-year-old passenger who became ill and later died on board the vessel. His body was transferred to Saint Helena, a British territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean.
The second victim, identified as the man’s 69-year-old wife, also fell sick during the voyage. She was medically evacuated to South Africa, where she later died in a hospital in Johannesburg. Sources quoted by AFP said the couple were Dutch nationals.
The third victim reportedly died while still aboard the ship. Health officials are also considering isolating two additional passengers in a hospital in Cape Verde before the vessel proceeds to Spain’s Canary Islands.
About the MV Hondius
The MV Hondius is operated by Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions. The 107.6-meter expedition cruise ship can accommodate up to 170 passengers in 80 cabins and is staffed by 57 crew members, 13 guides, and one onboard doctor.
The voyage began in Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20 and was expected to conclude in Cape Verde on May 4. Ship-tracking data showed the vessel near the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on Sunday.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses commonly spread through contact with infected rodents, their droppings, urine, or contaminated dust particles. In rare situations, some strains can spread between humans and may cause severe respiratory illness or hemorrhagic fever.
The WHO stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact strain linked to the outbreak. The agency is also carrying out epidemiological studies and virus sequencing as part of the response efforts.
International Health Response
The WHO said it has been informed of the incident and is supporting coordination efforts between national health authorities and the ship’s operators. Medical care is currently being provided to affected passengers and crew members onboard.
The organization also confirmed that preparations are underway for the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers.
South African health authorities were among the first to raise concerns about the outbreak after an evacuated patient in Johannesburg tested positive for hantavirus. Initially, officials had described the incident as a severe acute respiratory illness outbreak before laboratory testing confirmed the infection.
