Global health authorities suspect a hantavirus outbreak is spreading on a cruise ship, leading to the evacuation of two infected passengers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated there might be human-to-human transmission among close contacts on board, though the global health risk is considered low.
Cruise Ship Evacuations Amid Suspected Outbreak
A British crew member requires urgent medical care, and another Briton is in intensive care following the suspected outbreak on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius. The vessel began its voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde on 1 April, during which at least three people have died.
Details of the Cases
Seven hantavirus cases have been identified on the ship, including two confirmed and five suspected. Among those affected are a British passenger receiving care in South Africa and a Dutch woman who died after disembarking.
WHO officials are monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing that while human-to-human transmission appears possible in close-contact settings, the overall risk to the wider public remains low. Evacuations have been ordered to prevent further spread.
