International Alert as Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Leaves 3 Dead

An international health alert has been triggered following a deadly outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic, resulting in three fatalities and several more suspected cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the outbreak on Sunday, 3 May, aboard the MV Hondius.

The vessel, which carries approximately 170 passengers and 70 crew members, was positioned off the coast of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, while en route from Ushuaia, Argentina.

Fatalities and Hospitalisations

The victims include a 70-year-old Dutch passenger who was the first to exhibit symptoms; his body is currently held on the British Overseas Territory of St Helena.

His 69-year-old wife also contracted the virus and later died in a Johannesburg hospital after being evacuated to South Africa. A third victim remains aboard the ship.

Further casualties include a 69-year-old British national currently in intensive care in Johannesburg.

Additionally, two crew members require urgent medical attention. Dutch authorities have agreed to coordinate their repatriation from Cape Verde to the Netherlands.

Global Response

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the organisation is managing the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers and conducting a comprehensive risk assessment.

“Swift and coordinated action is essential to limit risks and protect public health,” Dr Tedros said in a statement on X.

Epidemiological investigations, laboratory analyses, and virus sequencing are currently underway to manage the crisis.

Understanding Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a severe respiratory disease transmitted to humans via infected wild rodents, such as mice or rats.

The virus is spread through:

• Direct contact: Bites or touching infected animals.
• Waste products: Contact with saliva, urine, or excrement.
• Inhalation: Breathing in contaminated dust.

The infection can lead to severe acute respiratory syndrome, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Source: l’Express