150 Stranded on Cruise Ship After Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak Near Cape Verde
Around 150 passengers and crew members remain stranded aboard the MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean following a suspected hantavirus outbreak that has already claimed three lives, raising global health concerns.
The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde after authorities denied permission to dock or evacuate sick individuals.
According to officials, a total of 149 people from 23 countries are on board. While three deaths have been reported since the outbreak began, only one case has been officially confirmed as hantavirus so far, with further testing and investigations underway.
Several individuals have shown symptoms, including a British passenger who was evacuated to Johannesburg and later tested positive for a hantavirus variant. Two crew members on board are currently experiencing acute respiratory symptoms and require urgent medical attention.
The World Health Organization has stepped in to coordinate response efforts. WHO officials confirmed that they are facilitating the medical evacuation of symptomatic individuals and conducting detailed epidemiological investigations to assess the risk.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the agency is closely monitoring the situation while supporting affected individuals and working with international authorities.
The cruise operator is reportedly considering rerouting the ship to ports such as Las Palmas or Tenerife for medical screening and further assistance.
Hantavirus is a rare zoonotic disease typically transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. In some cases, it can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a severe respiratory condition with a high fatality rate.
Health authorities are continuing to investigate how the infection spread onboard, as efforts intensify to contain the situation and ensure medical care for those affected.
