A suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has resulted in three deaths and at least three other cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and South Africa's health department confirmed on Sunday. Among the deceased are a 70-year-old Dutch man and his 69-year-old wife, along with a third unidentified person.
The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, a polar cruise ship operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, which was travelling between Argentina and Cape Verde. The ship was off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde, on Sunday night. The Dutch man died on the island of Saint Helena, while his wife passed away at a hospital in Kempton Park, South Africa. A 69-year-old British man who fell ill tested positive for hantavirus and is receiving treatment in Johannesburg.
Hantavirus is a rare infection typically spread through contact with rodent urine or faeces. It can cause severe respiratory or kidney disease, and while person-to-person transmission is possible, it is uncommon. There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical care improves survival chances. The WHO is supporting investigations, including laboratory testing and virus sequencing.
Oceanwide Expeditions stated that two crew members require urgent medical care and that the body of the third deceased remains onboard. The company is working with Dutch authorities to repatriate the symptomatic individuals and the deceased. The UK Foreign Office is monitoring the situation and ready to assist British nationals.
