Three fatalities have been linked to a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, which was traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina to Cape Verde. The World Health Organization confirmed that one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, with five additional suspected cases.
The first victim, a 70-year-old passenger, developed symptoms and died on board. His body was subsequently transferred to the island of Saint Helena. His 69-year-old wife also fell ill and later died in a Johannesburg hospital.
A 69-year-old British man is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg. Health officials believe they contracted the virus through exposure to infected rodents’ urine or faeces.
The WHO stated that it is “facilitating coordination” between national authorities and the ship’s operators to organize the medical evacuation of two additional passengers exhibiting symptoms.
Key facts about the outbreak:
- Three people have died due to the hantavirus outbreak.
- One confirmed case and five suspected cases reported.
- The MV Hondius has a capacity of 170 passengers.
Officials have not confirmed the nationalities of the victims. The exact number of symptomatic passengers remains unclear. The cruise ship outbreak raises significant concerns about public health and safety.
