A suspected outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius has resulted in three deaths and left 150 passengers stranded off the coast of Cape Verde. The first victim was a 70-year-old man who died onboard the ship. His wife collapsed at an airport in South Africa and later died in a hospital.
At least one case of hantavirus has been confirmed among those who became ill. A British national is currently in intensive care in a Johannesburg hospital after falling ill near Ascension Island. Local health authorities have not allowed the ship to dock in Cape Verde as a precaution.
According to the World Health Organization, hantaviruses are primarily spread by contact with infected rodents’ urine or feces. Hantavirus infections can cause severe respiratory illness, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. However, these infections are uncommon.
Key facts:
- A total of three people have died from the suspected hantavirus outbreak.
- Approximately 150 passengers were onboard the MV Hondius during the incident.
- The ship had departed from Argentina three weeks prior to the outbreak.
- Two crew members require urgent medical care.
Health officials are conducting a public health risk assessment. They have stated that the risk to the wider public remains low. “There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,” said Hans Kluge, a representative from WHO.
Yet, uncertainties persist regarding the source of infection. It remains unclear whether hantavirus has been confirmed in all symptomatic individuals. Jake Rosmarin expressed concern, stating, “There is a lot of uncertainty and that is the hardest part.” The situation continues to develop as health authorities monitor the vessel closely.
