The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, which has resulted in 3 deaths and one person being treated in intensive care.
Hantavirus is a virus transmitted by rodents, potentially causing fatal respiratory diseases.
On Sunday (3rd), the WHO released a statement on social media platform X, stating: “WHO is aware of and supporting a public health incident involving a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one confirmed case of hantavirus infection has been identified, along with five suspected cases. Among the six infected individuals, three have died, and one person is currently receiving intensive care in South Africa.”
A spokesperson for the Dutch Foreign Ministry confirmed that two Dutch passengers had unfortunately died, but did not reveal additional details. According to British Sky News, citing the South African Department of Health, the patient in intensive care is a British citizen.
Oceanwide Expeditions, based in the Netherlands, issued a press release on the 3rd stating that its polar expedition vessel, MV Hondius, was “handling a serious medical incident” near Cape Verde. Cape Verde is a volcanic island nation off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean.
On the evening of the 3rd, the South African Department of Health confirmed that the “Hondius” cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic experienced an outbreak of “severe acute respiratory disease” while traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde. The ship departed Argentina about three weeks ago with around 150 passengers, and before reaching Cape Verde, made stops in Antarctica and other locations.