Three fatalities have been linked to a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, raising concerns about the transmission of this severe disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed one laboratory case of hantavirus infection, alongside five additional suspected cases.
The first victim was a 70-year-old passenger who developed symptoms while onboard and later died. His body was transferred to the island of Saint Helena. His 69-year-old wife also fell ill and died in a Johannesburg hospital.
A 69-year-old British man is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg. The vessel was traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina to Cape Verde when the outbreak occurred.
Key facts:
- Three deaths attributed to the hantavirus outbreak
- One confirmed case and five suspected cases of hantavirus infection
- The first victim was 70 years old; his wife was 69
- The British man in intensive care is also 69 years old
The WHO stated that hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure to infected rodents’ urine or feces. This exposure can lead to severe respiratory illness.
The WHO is facilitating coordination between national authorities and the ship’s operators to organize the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers. The MV Hondius has a passenger capacity of 170 and is operated by Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions.
No information has been released regarding the nationalities of the victims. Additionally, the exact number of symptomatic passengers aboard remains unclear.
