3 Dead as WHO Confirms Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Atlantic Cruise Ship

Three people have died following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship travelling in the Atlantic Ocean, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed, as emergency investigations and evacuations continue.

At least six people have been affected, including one laboratory-confirmed case of hantavirus infection and five additional suspected cases.

One patient is currently in intensive care in South Africa, while two others are being considered for urgent medical evacuation from the vessel.

The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, a Dutch-operated polar expedition cruise ship travelling from Argentina towards Cape Verde.

WHO Confirms Deaths and Ongoing Investigation

According to the WHO, the situation involves a rapidly developing public health emergency at sea.

“Of the six affected individuals, three have died, and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa,” the agency said.

Also Read:Kenya to Win Big as Japan Targets Jobs, Trade and Youth Under New Partnership Vision

The organisation added that detailed laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations are ongoing, including genetic sequencing of the virus to confirm its origin and possible transmission patterns.

“WHO is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and ⁠support to the remaining passengers on board,” the WHO said.

Hantavirus Confirmed Cases

The first person to show symptoms was a 70- year-old passenger who died on board.

He had suddenly fallen ill, experiencing fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. He died on arrival in St Helena, a UK territory in the South Atlantic.

Meanwhile, his 69- year-old wife also fell ill and was evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a Johannesburg hospital.

With her was a British man, also 69, who is being treated in intensive care.

Also Read:Accident Survivor Narrates How He Narrowly Escaped Death With Wife

Ship Details and Route

Multiple reports identify the vessel as the MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions.

The ship has been sailing a long route from South America through the South Atlantic, with stops near remote islands before heading toward Cape Verde.

The vessel is a small expedition cruise ship carrying roughly 150-170 passengers and crew.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially severe disease typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

The illness begins with flu-like symptoms and can ⁠lead to heart and lung failure, with around 40% of cases resulting in death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

There are no specific drugs to treat hantavirus, so treatment focuses on supportive care, including putting ⁠patients on ventilators in severe cases.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

An illustration of how the cruise ship incident occurred
PHOTO/The Sun