A suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus infection on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has resulted in three fatalities, including an elderly married couple, and at least three others falling ill, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and South Africa’s health department on Sunday.
Investigation Underway
The WHO confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, with at least one case of hantavirus already confirmed. One patient is in intensive care at a South African hospital, and the UN health agency is working with authorities to evacuate two other symptomatic individuals from the vessel.
The outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius, which was traveling between Argentina and Cape Verde. Ship-tracking websites indicate the MV Hondius was positioned off the coast of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on Sunday evening.
Victims Identified
Two of the deceased are a Dutch husband and wife, aged 70 and 69. The South African health ministry reported that the man fell ill onboard and died on Saint Helena, while his wife passed away at a hospital in Kempton Park, South Africa. Additionally, a 69-year-old British man who became ill on the ship tested positive for hantavirus and was taken to a private health facility in Johannesburg.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is typically contracted through contact with urine or faeces from infected rodents. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention notes that hantaviruses can cause two severe syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which affects the lungs, and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which impacts the kidneys.
While rare, hantavirus infections can spread between people, the WHO stated. There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical intervention can improve survival chances.
“WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean,” the organisation said. “Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.”
Ship Operator Response
The MV Hondius is operated by the Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions. On Sunday evening, the company confirmed that two crew members onboard require urgent medical care, and a third fatality remains on the ship. Local health authorities assessed the two symptomatic individuals, but Cape Verdean authorities have not authorised disembarkation for those needing medical care.
“The priority of Oceanwide Expeditions is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals onboard receive adequate and expedited medical care,” a spokesperson said. “We are in close contact with those directly affected and their families and are providing support where possible. Disembarkation and medical screening of all guests require coordination with local health authorities, and we are in close consultation with them.”
Dutch authorities have agreed to lead a joint effort to organise the repatriation of the two symptomatic individuals to the Netherlands, along with the body of the deceased individual, the cruise operator added. The WHO is “facilitating coordination” between national authorities and the ship’s operators for the medical evacuation of two passengers with symptoms.
Ship Details
The MV Hondius can accommodate approximately 170 passengers and has 70 crew members. It is listed as a polar cruise ship on several travel agency websites. One itinerary includes a route from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde, with stops in South Georgia and Saint Helena.
The UK’s Foreign Office stated: “We are closely monitoring reports of a potential hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius and stand ready to support British nationals if needed. We are in touch with the cruise company and local authorities.”
