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CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — An outbreak of hantavirus emerged over several weeks aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius while it traversed the Atlantic Ocean.
At least three passengers have died, and several others have fallen ill, prompting health authorities to trace individuals who disembarked earlier and those who may have been in contact with them.
Cruise Ship Journey Begins
The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, with scheduled stops including Antarctica and various isolated islands in the South Atlantic.First Illness Reported
On April 6, a 70-year-old Dutch man experienced symptoms including fever and headache while aboard. Prior to boarding, he and his wife had visited Ushuaia and traveled through Argentina and Chile, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).Fatalities Occur
By April 11, the Dutch man developed respiratory distress and died on the ship. The cruise company noted that the cause of death was undetermined at that time.On April 26, his wife, displaying symptoms, flew from St. Helena to South Africa, where she later died at an airport while preparing to board another flight.
On May 2, a German woman also fell ill and subsequently died on board, marking the third fatality linked to the outbreak.
Health Authorities Respond
Health authorities in South Africa received a positive hantavirus test result from the British man in intensive care on May 2, marking the first confirmed case related to the outbreak.On May 3, the WHO began responding to the suspected outbreak as the ship arrived in Cape Verde waters.
Evacuations and Ongoing Investigations
On May 5, a standoff ensued between the cruise ship and Cape Verde authorities regarding the evacuation of sick individuals. Health workers were dispatched to assist, but disembarkation was initially denied.By May 6, three individuals, including the ship's doctor, were evacuated and transported to specialized hospitals in Europe. Confirmed hantavirus cases increased to five as health officials in Switzerland reported another positive case from a man who had previously left the ship.
International Health Response
On May 7, health authorities from multiple countries began isolating individuals who had previously left the ship and traced contacts of cruise passengers.The MV Hondius reached Tenerife on May 10, where passengers were escorted to shore in protective gear as part of a large-scale disembarkation effort.
