A suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has resulted in three deaths and several illnesses, according to health authorities.
According to The Guardian, the incident was
reported on the MV Hondius, a vessel travelling between Argentina and Cape Verde. At least three passengers died, including a married couple from the Netherlands aged 70 and 69.
According to the South African health ministry, the male passenger fell ill onboard and later died on the island of Saint Helena. His wife died at a hospital in Kempton Park, South Africa.
A third fatality was also reported, though details of that individual have not been fully disclosed.
At least three other individuals were reported to have fallen ill. One patient was admitted to intensive care in South Africa, while two others were awaiting medical evacuation from the ship.
In addition, a video uploaded by the vessel shows a man pleading for help amid the spread of the virus on board.
In the video, US travel blogger Jake Rosmarin says, “What’s happening right now is very real for all of us here”, as his voice breaks with emotion. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, and that’s the hardest part. All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home”
“We’re not just a story, we’re not just headlines. We’re people with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home,” a clearly emotional Jake appeals in the video.
The video has received a lot of attention through social media platforms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said investigations were ongoing, including laboratory testing and epidemiological assessments.
Oceanwide Expeditions reported that their vessel was found off the port of Praia in Cape Verde. It was noted that two crew members needed immediate medical assistance, and the vessel was in coordination with the local authorities for providing medical assistance and evacuation.
Passenger disembarkation and medical screening were contingent upon the approval of local authorities, which had yet to be obtained.
Dutch authorities were coordinating efforts to repatriate affected individuals and the remains of one deceased passenger.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with urine or faeces of infected rodents. It can cause severe respiratory illness or kidney-related disease.
The WHO stated that it was supporting coordination between national health authorities and the cruise operator. Medical care and monitoring of passengers and crew were ongoing as part of the response.
