A suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three passengers, including a Dutch couple aged 70 and 69, and left at least three others ill, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and South African health authorities have confirmed.
The ship, the MV Hondius, operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde. It was reported to be off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde's capital, on Sunday night. The WHO said at least one case of hantavirus had been confirmed, and an investigation was under way.
The Dutch husband died on the island of Saint Helena, while his wife died at a hospital in Kempton Park, South Africa. A third passenger, believed to be British, tested positive for hantavirus and was taken to a private health facility in Johannesburg. Two other symptomatic individuals remain aboard the ship, awaiting medical evacuation.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with urine or faeces from infected rodents. It can cause severe lung or kidney disease. While rare, human-to-human transmission is possible. There is no specific treatment, but early medical attention improves survival chances.
Oceanwide Expeditions said it was coordinating with Dutch authorities to repatriate the two symptomatic individuals and the body of the deceased passenger. The UK Foreign Office said it was monitoring the situation and ready to support British nationals.
The WHO is facilitating coordination between national authorities and the ship's operator for medical evacuation. The MV Hondius can accommodate around 170 passengers and 70 crew. Local health authorities have not yet authorised disembarkation in Cape Verde.
