Hantavirus outbreak on luxury cruise ship leaves 3 dead
A deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius has triggered global health concerns after three passengers died and several others fell ill during the voyage.
According to reports, at least eight confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases have been connected to the ship, which has been stranded off the coast of Cape Verde since Sunday. The vessel had departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on April 1.
Dutch officials confirmed that around 40 passengers disembarked on the island of St. Helena, while nearly 150 people remain onboard as the ship prepares to continue toward Spain’s Canary Islands.
The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said three passengers required emergency evacuation. Two were reported to be in serious condition. One patient is currently receiving intensive care treatment in South Africa, while another infected passenger is undergoing treatment in Zurich, Switzerland.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the overall public health risk remains low despite the international concern surrounding the outbreak.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease primarily spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, breathing difficulties and severe respiratory complications.
The outbreak has drawn global attention after health officials in Argentina reported a rise in hantavirus infections in recent weeks, although authorities clarified that no widespread outbreak has been declared in the country.
Health authorities and cruise officials continue monitoring passengers and crew members as investigations into the source of the infections remain underway.
