Passengers aboard the MV Hondius, a Dutch cruise ship stricken by hantavirus, have been largely confined to their cabins following the deaths of three people, according to footage obtained from the vessel. The ship, which was on a weeks-long polar expedition from Argentina to Antarctica and South Atlantic islands, has been awaiting assistance off Cape Verde.
The West African country has denied permission for passengers to disembark due to public health concerns. Instead, the ship will now sail over 1,000 miles to the Canary Islands after the medical evacuation of three individuals. Footage from the ship shows mostly deserted decks, with only a few people wearing medical masks. Common areas were empty as passengers remained isolated in their cabins.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that passengers were asked to stay in their cabins to limit risk while disinfection and other measures are taken. Officials in Cape Verde's capital, Praia, have stepped up safety protocols as a precaution against the rodent-borne illness, which WHO says may be transmitted between people, though rarely.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, told reporters on Tuesday that the plan is for the ship to continue to the Canary Islands. She stressed there are no other people with symptoms on board and that once the two sick individuals are medically evacuated, the ship can move. The Spanish health ministry said it is monitoring the situation closely and will decide on the most appropriate port of call.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator, said in a statement that the atmosphere on board remains calm, with passengers generally composed, and that the response plan is at the highest level, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols, and medical monitoring. The ship left Ushuaia, Argentina, on 1 April, and although no passengers had symptoms at departure, symptoms can appear up to eight weeks after exposure.
