A suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus infection aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including an elderly married couple, and has affected at least three others, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and South Africa’s health department on Sunday.
The WHO indicated that an investigation is currently underway, with at least one confirmed case of hantavirus.
According to a statement from the UN’s health agency to the Associated Press, one of the patients is receiving intensive care in a South African hospital, while the WHO is collaborating with authorities to evacuate two additional individuals exhibiting symptoms from the ship.
The outbreak was identified on the MV Hondius, which was en route between Argentina and Cape Verde. As per various online ship-tracking platforms, the MV Hondius was located just off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on Sunday evening.
Among the deceased were a husband and wife, aged 70 and 69, from the Netherlands.
The South African health ministry reported that the man became ill while on board the ship and passed away on the island of Saint Helena, whereas his wife succumbed at a hospital in Kempton Park, a city in South Africa.
A 69-year-old British man who fell ill on the ship was transferred to a private healthcare facility in Johannesburg, as stated by the South African health ministry, which confirmed that he tested positive for hantavirus.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents.
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, hantaviruses are responsible for two serious syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe illness affecting the lungs, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, a severe condition impacting the kidneys.
Although rare, the WHO noted that hantavirus infections could potentially be transmitted between individuals. There is no specific treatment or cure available, but prompt medical attention may enhance the likelihood of survival.
“WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean,” the organization stated.
It added, “Detailed investigations are currently underway, which include additional laboratory testing and epidemiological studies.
“Medical assistance and support are being extended to both passengers and crew members. The sequencing of the virus is also in progress.”
The vessel is operated by the Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions, which announced on Sunday evening that two crew members on board require urgent medical attention, while the third fatality remains on the ship.
The company stated that local health authorities have evaluated the two symptomatic individuals; however, the ship has not received authorization from Cape Verdean authorities to disembark those in need of medical care.
A spokesperson said, “Oceanwide Expeditions prioritizes ensuring that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive prompt and adequate medical attention.
“We are maintaining close communication with those directly impacted and their families, providing support wherever feasible.
“The disembarkation and medical screening of all guests necessitate coordination with local health authorities, and we are in ongoing discussions with them.”
Dutch authorities have consented to spearhead a collaborative effort to arrange the repatriation of the two symptomatic individuals to the Netherlands, as stated by the cruise operator, along with the remains of the deceased individual.
The WHO has indicated that it is facilitating coordination between national authorities and the ship’s operators to organize the medical evacuation of the two symptomatic passengers.
The MV Hondius, which has the capacity to accommodate approximately 170 passengers and employs 70 crew members, is categorized as a polar cruise ship on various travel agency websites.
One of the cruises features an itinerary that departs from Ushuaia in Argentina and sails to Cape Verde, with scheduled stops at the islands of South Georgia and Saint Helena.
The UK’s foreign office, according to the Guardian UK, has stated, “We are closely monitoring reports regarding a potential hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius and are prepared to assist British nationals if necessary. We are in contact with the cruise company and local authorities.”
