🚢 Three dead in suspected hantavirus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship
The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting investigations into a public‑health emergency aboard the MV Hondius, a polar expedition ship currently off Cape Verde. One case has been lab‑confirmed as hantavirus, while five others are suspected.
Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. Two symptomatic passengers are being medically evacuated, and WHO is coordinating a full public‑health risk assessment for the remaining passengers and crew.
Hantavirus spreads when droppings, urine, or saliva from infected rodents become airborne—often when disturbed areas are cleaned. Human‑to‑human transmission is rare. The illness starts with flu‑like symptoms and can progress to severe respiratory complications, with a case‑fatality rate as high as 40 % according to the US CDC.
The cruise set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20 with around 150 passengers, visited Antarctica, and was heading toward Cape Verde when the medical situation escalated.
🔎 What you need to know:
- Transmission: Airborne contact with rodent waste.
- Symptoms: Fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, shortness of breath.
- Risk: Up to 40 % fatal if untreated.
WHO says it is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship’s operators to ensure safe evacuation and proper containment. Passengers are advised to monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention if they develop any symptoms.
🌍 Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops. 🦠
Reference(s):
Three dead in suspected virus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship
cgtn.com
