Three people have died following the appearance of a possible viral outbreak on a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, with one passenger in critical condition, admitted to intensive care in South Africa.
The vessel in question is the MV Hondius, which was traveling between Argentina and Cape Verde. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently investigating a confirmed case of hantavirus and several suspected cases, according to BBC.
First victims: a couple who fell ill on board
The first patient to show symptoms was a 70-year-old passenger who died on board the ship. Subsequently, his 69-year-old wife also fell ill and was urgently evacuated to South Africa, where she passed away in a hospital in Johannesburg.
According to sources cited by AFP, the two were Dutch citizens. The third deceased person was still on board the ship at the time of reporting, and authorities were assessing whether two other sick passengers needed to be isolated in hospitals in Cape Verde.
WHO: a confirmed case
The World Health Organization has stated that it is monitoring the situation and coordinating international intervention. The organization confirms a case of hantavirus and at least five other suspicions.
WHO specifies that investigations are ongoing, including laboratory tests and epidemiological analyses, and passengers and crew are receiving medical care.
Additionally, the organization is supporting the medical evacuation of symptomatic passengers and assessing the public health risk for those still on board.
What is hantavirus and how is it transmitted
Hantavirus infections are typically associated with exposure to infected rodents, especially through contact with urine, feces, or saliva. In rare cases, the virus can also be transmitted from person to person.
The disease can have severe forms, from severe pulmonary involvement to hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Symptoms can appear from one to eight weeks after exposure and include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
The ship, en route to Cape Verde and then to Europe
The MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed from Ushuaia (Argentina) on March 20 and was scheduled to arrive in Cape Verde on May 4.
According to navigation data cited by Sky News, the ship docked in the capital city of Praia, and later it is expected to continue its journey to the Canary Islands in Spain.
There are approximately 170 passengers on board, along with the crew and medical personnel.