Passengers aboard a cruise ship are currently trapped at sea following a deadly outbreak of a rodent-borne virus that has claimed three lives and left a British man fighting for his life in intensive care. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed six suspected cases of hantavirus infection on the MV Hondius, which was travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde in Africa.
Victims and Response
The first victim was a 70-year-old Dutch passenger, who was quickly followed by his 69-year-old wife, also a Dutch national. A 69-year-old British man was airlifted to Johannesburg, where he remains in intensive care. The WHO stated on Sunday evening that it was 'aware of the cases of severe acute respiratory illness on a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic' and confirmed three deaths onboard, with the British man suffering from a hantavirus infection. Investigations into six suspected cases are ongoing.
Passengers' Ordeal
Passengers have described their ordeal as a 'hell' after being ordered to remain onboard while awaiting approval to disembark. A letter from Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise operator, informed guests that the company was 'awaiting approval from the Cape Verde authorities to disembark'. The letter noted that priority would be given to those requiring immediate medical care but acknowledged that no authorisation had yet been granted. Passengers were advised to wear face masks, maintain social distancing, and minimise contact with fellow guests. The company added that it was applying pressure through diplomatic channels to secure urgent care for those with severe symptoms and to facilitate a proper health screening process for all onboard.
One anonymous passenger told the Daily Mail: 'We have not heard from Oceanwide at all. We still have friends on the ship.' Prices for a full trip on the vessel last year ranged from €12,500 for a shared cabin to €40,000 for a luxury private suite.
Hantavirus Details
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses typically spread by rodents through contact with urine, droppings, or saliva. They are not usually transmitted from person to person. The viruses can cause two syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Early symptoms of HPS include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, while HFRS symptoms include intensive headaches, back pain, nausea, and blurred vision. Minimising contact with rodents is key to reducing exposure risk.
As of Sunday night, the WHO had laboratory-confirmed one case of hantavirus and was investigating five additional suspected cases. A spokesman said: 'Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa. Investigations and a coordinated international public health response is underway.' Laboratory testing, epidemiological investigations, and sequencing of the virus to understand transmission and mutations are ongoing.
Further Developments
A source close to the case indicated that discussions were underway to decide whether two sick passengers should be isolated in a hospital in Cape Verde, after which the ship would continue to Spain's Canary Islands. South Africa's Department of Health confirmed that a British tourist is being treated in a private facility in Sandton, Johannesburg, with laboratory results positive for hantavirus. A Turkish passenger on the ship reported on social media that his 'Irish friend' was receiving treatment in South Africa and was 'improving'. He added: 'We are in a very complicated situation. Please keep us in your thoughts.'
The South African Department of Health noted that the Dutch male passenger had suffered fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea before dying in St Helena, while his wife collapsed at an airport and was taken to hospital in Kempton Park. According to ship-tracking sites, the MV Hondius was anchored off Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on Sunday. The vessel can accommodate around 170 passengers and has approximately 70 crew members.
The 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.' Oceanwide Expeditions has been contacted for comment.
