Four Australians are among 149 passengers and crew stranded on a luxury cruise ship currently being held off the coast of West Africa following a suspected outbreak of the deadly hantavirus. The MV Hondius remains moored near Cape Verde as local health authorities assess the situation after three people died onboard.
Deaths on the MV Hondius
The ship, which was on a week-long voyage from Argentina to Antarctica, requested assistance from authorities on Sunday after a third person, a German national, succumbed to the illness. Previously, a Dutch couple in their late 60s had died last month. The cause of death is suspected to be hantavirus, a severe and often fatal disease.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is transmitted to humans through contact with infected wild rodents, such as mice or rats. The virus is shed in rodent saliva, urine, and droppings. Infection can occur through a bite, direct contact with rodents or their excreta, or by inhaling contaminated dust. The disease can lead to severe respiratory illness, and there is currently no cure.
The four Australians are among those awaiting further news as health officials work to contain the suspected outbreak. The situation remains under investigation.
