A cruise ship outbreak of hantavirus has led to three suspected deaths aboard the Hondius, which is currently docked off Cape Verde. The World Health Organization (WHO) is involved in managing the situation.
As of early Tuesday, health officials confirmed that 149 people remain on board the Hondius. Two passengers are in serious condition, including a British national who is now in intensive care in Johannesburg.
The deceased include a 70-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman from the Netherlands. A German national also died, but the official cause of death has not been disclosed.
The Hondius left Argentina three weeks prior to the outbreak and was refused permission to dock in Cape Verde due to rising health concerns. Officials have not confirmed how passengers became infected.
Key facts:
- Three passengers are suspected to have died from hantavirus.
- Health officials are conducting epidemiological investigations and contact tracing.
- The risk to the general public remains low, according to WHO.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge stated, “The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions.” Maria Van Kerkhove added that authorities are working diligently to understand the source of exposure through ongoing investigations.
Hantaviruses are primarily spread through contact with infected rodent excretions, and infections in humans are rare. However, they can lead to severe illness in some cases. The WHO is assisting in planning medical evacuations for the symptomatic individuals on board.
