A hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde, has resulted in three deaths and several confirmed and suspected cases.
Three Passengers Dead, Hantavirus Confirmed
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Sunday, May 3rd, the deaths of three passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship traveling across the Atlantic Ocean from Argentina to Cape Verde. The WHO also reported five suspected cases of hantavirus infection, a rodent-borne disease.
The deceased are a Dutch couple and a German citizen. Hantavirus infection has been confirmed in one of the individuals, while the causes of death for the other two are under investigation. A 69-year-old British citizen has also been confirmed to have hantavirus and is in critical condition in a hospital in South Africa.
Crew Members Ill, Evacuation Planned
Two crew members, one British and one Dutch, are exhibiting severe respiratory symptoms and are believed to have been in contact with the deceased German citizen. While hantavirus has not been confirmed in either crew member, both require urgent medical attention and are scheduled for evacuation from the ship.
Ship Quarantined, Polish Nationals Aboard
The MV Hondius is currently off the coast of Cape Verde. Authorities in Cape Verde have denied docking permission due to safety concerns. The ship carries 149 people from 23 countries, including Polish citizens.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that all Polish citizens on board are currently feeling well and have not requested medical or consular assistance.
WHO: Limited Public Health Risk
The World Health Organization has stated that the situation on the ship does not pose a high risk to the general public and does not necessitate travel restrictions. Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise operator, reports a calm atmosphere among passengers and crew.
Expert: Symptoms Similar to COVID-19
Poland’s Chief Sanitary Inspector, Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski, noted the unusual nature of human-to-human transmission of this type of virus. He explained that hantavirus is a zoonotic virus, with symptoms including high fever, muscle aches, and weakness, similar to those of COVID-19.
Dr. Grzesiowski further explained that a pulmonary form of the disease exists, causing severe lung damage that can be fatal. He emphasized that hantaviruses are transmitted by rodents through contact with their excrement and that the disease is rare and not highly contagious.
Historical Context of Hantavirus
Hantaviruses have been known since the Korean War, when mysterious infections began affecting both American and Korean soldiers. The virus was first isolated from a field mouse near the Hantaan River, hence the name.
Today, over 20 types of hantaviruses are known to exist worldwide.