Health authorities are responding to a suspected outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise vessel, MV Hondius, where multiple infections and deaths have raised global concern.
The World Health Organization confirmed that a 69-year-old British national, currently in intensive care in South Africa, has tested positive for hantavirus. The virus was also detected in a Dutch passenger who has since died, while the causes of death of other passengers remain under investigation.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, and can lead to severe respiratory illness. Health experts note that human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.
In addition to the confirmed British case, a British crew member is among five other suspected infections linked to the ship. The vessel, carrying 149 passengers from 23 countries, is currently off the coast of Cape Verde.
Despite the situation, the ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said conditions onboard remain stable. “The atmosphere on board remains calm, with passengers generally composed,” the company said in a statement.
Authorities in the Netherlands are preparing for a possible medical evacuation involving two crew members and an individual linked to a deceased German passenger. The operation is expected to involve specialised aircraft equipped with advanced medical facilities and trained personnel.
The cruise operator is also considering diverting the vessel to Las Palmas or Tenerife, where passengers could disembark for further medical screening and treatment.
The WHO says it is acting “with urgency” to support containment efforts and has commended South African authorities for their care of the infected British patient. WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Henri P. Kluge, noted that hantavirus infections are relatively uncommon.
Meanwhile, Maria Da Luz, head of Cape Verde’s Public Health Institute, confirmed that passengers would not be allowed to disembark in the country, a precaution aimed at protecting the local population.
