MV Hondius Cruise Ship Virus Outbreak: WHO Confirms Three Deaths and Suspected Hantavirus Cases
A suspected virus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic has resulted in three deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde, has confirmed one case of Hantavirus with five more suspected cases being investigated. Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure, such as contact with infected rodents, and can lead to severe respiratory illness.
The MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed from Ushuaia in Argentina on 20 March and was scheduled to complete its journey on 4 May in Cape Verde. The first person to show symptoms, a 70-year-old passenger, died on board, and his body is now on the island of Saint Helena. His 69-year-old wife also fell ill on board and was evacuated to South Africa, where she later passed away in a Johannesburg hospital. A 69-year-old British national was also evacuated to Johannesburg and is currently receiving intensive care.
The MV Hondius is a 107.6m long polar cruise ship with space for 170 people in 80 cabins. WHO is assisting in coordinating medical evacuations for two symptomatic passengers and conducting a public health risk assessment for those still on board. The organization is working with member states and the ship's operators to provide support during this challenging situation.