Key Takeaways
- Three people have died on the MV Hondius cruise ship due to a hantavirus outbreak.
- One case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases.
- The outbreak occurred on a cruise from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde.
**Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship**
A recent outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has resulted in three deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The ship, which was travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde, has reported one confirmed case of hantavirus infection and five additional suspected cases.
The WHO has stated that hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure, such as contact with infected rodents' urine or faeces. The organization has also noted that while rare, hantavirus may spread between people and can lead to severe respiratory illness, requiring careful patient monitoring, support, and response.
The first person to develop symptoms on the cruise was a 70-year-old passenger, who died on board the ship. His 69-year-old wife also fell ill and was evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a Johannesburg hospital. A third case, a 69-year-old Briton, was also evacuated to Johannesburg and is being treated in intensive care.
The WHO is working with the ship's operators and member states affected to contain the risks and protect public health. The organization is facilitating medical evacuation of symptomatic passengers, conducting a full risk assessment, and supporting affected people on board.
**Response and Precautions**
The MV Hondius is a polar cruise ship operated by a Dutch-based tour company, Oceanwide Expeditions. The ship can accommodate around 170 passengers and has some 70 crew members. Discussions are underway to decide whether two other sick passengers should be placed in isolation in a hospital in Cape Verde, after which the ship would continue to Spain's Canary Islands.
Humans can catch hantaviruses from contact with infected mice or rats or their droppings, or by being bitten or inhaling contaminated dust. There are multiple types of hantaviruses in different parts of the world, with different symptoms.
**Why This Matters**
This outbreak highlights the importance of rapid and coordinated action to contain risks and protect public health, especially in confined environments like cruise ships. The WHO's response to the outbreak demonstrates the organization's commitment to supporting affected individuals and preventing further spread of the disease.