A suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius in the Atlantic has resulted in three deaths and raised concerns about human-to-human transmission. Around 150 passengers were onboard when the outbreak occurred.
“WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean,” said a representative from the World Health Organization. One case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, with five additional suspected cases.
The first victim was a 70-year-old man who died on the ship, which was traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde. The ship is currently anchored in Praia, Cape Verde.
Hantavirus can cause severe respiratory illness and hemorrhagic fever. Local health authorities have assessed two symptomatic crew members who require urgent medical care. The outbreak is under investigation by WHO and local health authorities.
The Dutch company operating the cruise is Oceanwide Expeditions. They stated, “The priority of Oceanwide Expeditions is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive adequate and expedited medical care.” Hantavirus infections are primarily spread through contact with infected rodents’ urine or feces.
Yet officials have not confirmed the exact cause of this outbreak. It is highly unusual for there to be a hantavirus outbreak on a ship that has not traveled anywhere where the virus is endemic. The mortality rate for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can be as high as 38%.
