A cruise ship at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak remains stranded off the coast of Cape Verde with nearly 150 people on board, as it awaits permission to dock in Spain's Canary Islands. Health authorities in South Africa and Switzerland have identified a rare strain of the virus capable of human-to-human transmission in three cases.
Outbreak Details
Swiss authorities announced Wednesday that a man returning from South America who traveled on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius has tested positive for hantavirus and is receiving treatment. The virus has claimed three lives and sickened at least five others on board. Hantavirus typically spreads through inhalation of contaminated rodent droppings, but the Andes strain can be transmitted between humans in rare instances.
The ship departed from Argentina on April 1 for an Atlantic cruise, with planned stops in Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and other locations. However, the itinerary may have been altered due to the health crisis.
Official Response
Spain's Health Ministry stated late Tuesday that it would accept the MV Hondius in the Canary Islands following a request from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. For now, the vessel remains marooned off Cape Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic. The WHO confirmed that passengers are isolating in their cabins.
Andes Virus Identification
South African health authorities identified the Andes strain of hantavirus in two passengers from the ship. The WHO notes that this strain is primarily found in South America, particularly Argentina and Chile. While human-to-human transmission is possible, it is rare and usually requires close contact, such as sharing a bed or food.
The South African Department of Health reported that tests were conducted on passengers who were evacuated from the ship and flown to South Africa. One passenger, a British man, is in intensive care in a South African hospital. Another passenger died after arrival, and tests were performed posthumously.
Swiss Case
The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health confirmed that the infected man returned to Switzerland after traveling on the cruise ship where several hantavirus cases occurred. He had returned from a trip to South America with his wife at the end of April. After experiencing symptoms, he consulted a doctor and was immediately placed in isolation at University Hospital Zurich. His wife shows no symptoms but is self-isolating as a precaution. The office stated that there is currently no risk to the Swiss public.
The WHO reported that the man responded to an email from the ship's operator informing passengers of the health event and subsequently sought medical care.
Stranded Ship
The cruise ship has been waiting off the coast of West Africa for a third day as sick passengers await evacuation. However, Fernando Clavijo, regional president of Spain's Canary Islands, expressed concern that the ship's arrival could endanger the local population and demanded an urgent meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Medical evacuation teams were on standby Wednesday morning in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. Associated Press journalists observed a boat approach the ship on Tuesday night but turn back, though the reason remains unclear.
