Three Dead in Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Atlantic Cruise Ship

A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and several illnesses, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The vessel was en route from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde when the outbreak occurred.

The WHO confirmed one laboratory-confirmed case of hantavirus infection and five additional suspected cases. Among the six affected individuals, three have died, and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.

The first reported case involved a 70-year-old male passenger who developed symptoms and died onboard. His body was transferred to the island of Saint Helena. His 69-year-old wife also fell ill and was evacuated to South Africa, where she later died in a Johannesburg hospital. A 69-year-old British national remains in intensive care in Johannesburg.

Hantavirus infections are typically linked to exposure to infected rodents' urine or faeces. While rare, human-to-human transmission can occur, leading to severe respiratory illness.

The WHO is coordinating with member states and the ship's operators to facilitate the medical evacuation of symptomatic passengers and to conduct a comprehensive public health risk assessment. Investigations, including laboratory testing and epidemiological studies, are ongoing to determine the source and extent of the outbreak.