A travel company has confirmed that 23 British nationals are aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is at the centre of a deadly hantavirus outbreak that has been linked to three deaths. Among those affected are two Britons, including a crew member, who have fallen ill with the virus.
Current Situation
The MV Hondius remains stationary off the coast of Cape Verde, near the port of Praia, after being denied permission to dock. Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator, described the situation as a 'serious medical situation' and confirmed that 19 passengers and four crew members are from Great Britain. Two Irish nationals are also on board.
A 69-year-old British tourist, who was on the Antarctic-bound voyage, is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, described as 'critical but stable'. Two crew members remain sick on the ship, one of whom is British. Passengers have been instructed to wear face masks and maintain social distancing.
Outbreak Timeline
The outbreak began on April 11 when a passenger died on board, with the cause of death undetermined. On April 24, the body was disembarked at St Helena, and the deceased's wife accompanied the repatriation. She later became unwell and died on April 27. Both were Dutch nationals. On the same day, a British passenger became seriously ill and was evacuated to South Africa, where hantavirus was confirmed. On May 2, a German passenger died on board. Two crew members, British and Dutch, now have acute respiratory symptoms.
Quarantine and Next Steps
Cape Verdean authorities have placed the ship in quarantine, refusing disembarkation to protect the local population. The ship is now expected to head to the Canary Islands, with Las Palmas or Tenerife considered as disembarkation points. Strict measures are in place on board, including isolation and hygiene protocols.
Expert Insights
Epidemiologist Michael Baker stated that passengers likely contracted the virus before boarding due to its long incubation period. He described the outbreak on a cruise ship as 'very unusual' and urged rapid evacuation of symptomatic individuals. Investigations are ongoing into whether exposure occurred during pre-cruise excursions in Patagonia, Argentina, where hantavirus is endemic.
The World Health Organization confirmed one laboratory case of hantavirus and five suspected cases. WHO Regional Director Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge emphasised that the risk to the wider public remains low, with no need for panic or travel restrictions.
