Second Brit Requires Urgent Medical Care Amid Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius
A British crew member is among two individuals requiring urgent medical care aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is at the centre of a suspected hantavirus outbreak. The vessel remains anchored off the coast of Cape Verde, with passengers awaiting permission to disembark.
Three people have died, and a British man is fighting for his life after falling ill on the ship. The deceased include a Dutch couple, aged 69 and 70, and a German national. The confirmed hantavirus case involves a 69-year-old British man who is in intensive care in Johannesburg, described as being in a critical but stable condition.
Details of the Outbreak
Hantavirus is contracted by inhaling infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. It gained notoriety after claiming the life of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, in February last year. The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, confirmed that there are 23 Britons on board, including 19 passengers and four crew members.
In a statement, the operator said: "There are currently two crew members on board with acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe. Both require urgent medical care. These crew members are of British and Dutch nationality. At this time, no other persons with symptoms have been identified."
Medical Transfer Delays
The medical transfer of the two ill individuals has not yet taken place, despite local health authorities having visited the vessel to assess the situation. Passengers cannot disembark without authorisation from Cape Verdean health authorities. Oceanwide Expeditions is considering sailing to Las Palmas or Tenerife as a gateway for disembarkation, where further medical screening and handling could occur.
The company added: "Strict precautionary measures are in process on board, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring. All passengers have been informed and are being supported."
International Response
Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including the World Health Organization, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The company is in close contact with those directly involved and their families, providing support where possible.
The MV Hondius currently has 149 people on board. The situation remains fluid, with authorities monitoring for any additional cases.
