Seven cases of the deadly hantavirus have been reported among passengers stranded on the cruise ship Hondius, currently held in the Atlantic near Cape Verde, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak has now confirmed two cases of the virus, with five more suspected, affecting approximately 150 individuals on board.
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Hantavirus: Details of the Outbreak
The WHO’s recent update highlighted that among the seven cases, three individuals have died, including a Dutch couple and a German national. One passenger is critically ill, while three others are experiencing mild symptoms.
A British passenger, who fell seriously ill, was evacuated from the ship to South Africa, where he has since tested positive for the hantavirus. The Dutch woman who died had previously been confirmed as a carrier of the virus.
Current Situation on the Hondius
The Hondius, which embarked on its voyage in March from Ushuaia in Argentina, has been carrying predominantly British, American, and Spanish passengers. The ship has visited various remote locations, including Tristan da Cunha, and has been marketed as an Antarctic nature expedition.
As of now, the atmosphere on board remains calm, according to a statement from Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship’s operator. The company is coordinating efforts to screen passengers and facilitate their disembarkation, with options being considered for sailing to either Las Palmas or Tenerife in Spain.
Fatalities and Medical Evacuations
The first reported death occurred on April 11, when a Dutch man succumbed to the virus. His body was not disembarked until April 24 on St Helena, accompanied by his wife. Tragically, the woman later fell ill and also died, further compounding the tragedy for the passengers on board.
The British national who was evacuated is undergoing treatment in a Johannesburg hospital, where he is reported to be stable. South African health officials confirmed his positive test for the hantavirus.
Public Health Advisory
Despite the grim situation aboard the Hondius, the WHO has reiterated that the risk to the wider public remains low. Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, and human-to-human transmission is extremely rare. Cape Verde authorities have requested that the ship remain at sea as a precautionary measure.
Timeline of Events
- March 2023: Hondius departs from Ushuaia, Argentina.
- April 11, 2023: First passenger, a Dutch man, dies.
- April 24, 2023: His body is disembarked on St Helena.
- April 27, 2023: His wife falls ill and later dies.
- May 5, 2023: British passenger evacuated and treated in South Africa.
Future Steps
The operator of the Hondius is actively working to ensure the health and safety of all remaining passengers and crew. Plans are in place for thorough screening and medical assessments before any disembarkation occurs.
With the situation evolving, authorities continue to monitor the health of those on board. Passengers are being kept informed, and precautions are being taken to prevent any further spread of the virus.
