Hantavirus Outbreak on Atlantic Cruise Ship Results in Three Deaths
A suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including an elderly couple, and has sickened at least three others. The World Health Organization (WHO) and South Africa’s Department of Health have confirmed the outbreak, with at least one case of hantavirus verified. The Dutch-operated cruise ship is currently stationed off the coast of Cape Verde, with local authorities assisting but not allowing disembarkation. Two crew members requiring urgent medical care remain onboard. Hantavirus is primarily spread through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents. The ship, MV Hondius, began its journey in Argentina and was scheduled to visit several locations, including Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, before heading to Spain’s Canary Islands. The first victim, a 70-year-old man, died on the ship, while his wife passed away in a South African hospital. A British national is in intensive care in Johannesburg.