Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius Cruise Ship Results in Three Deaths
A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, a polar expedition vessel operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, has resulted in the deaths of three passengers. The ship was traveling between Argentina and Cape Verde when the outbreak occurred. Among the deceased are a Dutch couple, aged 70 and 69, and a third unidentified person. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that at least one case of hantavirus has been laboratory-verified, with virus sequencing ongoing. A British man, aged 69, who fell ill on the ship, has tested positive for hantavirus and is receiving treatment in Johannesburg, South Africa. Two additional symptomatic passengers remain on the vessel, awaiting medical evacuation, as Cape Verdean authorities have not yet authorized disembarkation for those needing urgent care.