The World Health Organisation has reported two confirmed cases of hantavirus and five more suspected cases among individuals on the luxury cruise ship, Hondius, currently stranded in the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Verde. This information was disclosed in the organisation’s most comprehensive update regarding the outbreak. A contingent of approximately 150 individuals remains aboard the vessel, which primarily carried passengers from Britain, America, and Spain, and commenced its journey from Argentina in March.

According to the WHO, the seven reported cases include three fatalities, one individual in critical condition, and three others exhibiting mild symptoms. The deceased individuals consist of a Dutch couple and a German national. Additionally, a British citizen was evacuated from the ship at Ascension Island, and is presently receiving treatment in South Africa.

Conditions and Responses Onboard

“The atmosphere on board the MV Hondius remains calm, with passengers generally composed,” stated Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator of the cruise ship, in a recent announcement. The company is currently making arrangements for passenger screenings and eventual disembarkation, and is contemplating potential routes to either Las Palmas or Tenerife in Spain.

The WHO has reiterated that the risk to the general public remains low, emphasizing that hantavirus is typically transmitted by infected rodents and rarely spreads between humans. As a precautionary measure, the island nation of Cape Verde has requested that the ship remain at sea until further assessments can be conducted.

On April 11, the first passenger, a Dutch man, succumbed to the illness while the vessel was en route to Tristan da Cunha. His body was retained onboard until April 24, when it was disembarked in St Helena, accompanied by his wife. Just three days after this event, the man’s wife began to exhibit symptoms and subsequently passed away. Another passenger, a British citizen, has been reported as seriously ill and was evacuated to South Africa for medical care.

Confirmed Cases and Hospitalisations

South African officials have confirmed that the British patient being treated in a Johannesburg hospital has tested positive for hantavirus. The Dutch woman who died has also been confirmed to have contracted the virus, according to health authorities in the Netherlands. The situation is being closely monitored as the ship has been travelling to some of the most isolated locations worldwide, including Tristan da Cunha, which lies in the southern Atlantic between Argentina and South Africa.

Documentation from Oceanwide Expeditions indicates that the Hondius set sail from Ushuaia in southern Argentina in March, with a voyage intended as an Antarctic nature expedition. Berth prices for this journey varied between 14,000 and 22,000 euros (approximately $16,000 to $25,000), drawing travellers looking for unique experiences in remote regions.

The developments regarding the hantavirus cases on the Hondius have raised international health concerns. While immediate atmospheric conditions aboard the ship appear manageable, health experts are continuing to assess the broader implications of the outbreak. The focus remains on the health and safety of all remaining passengers and crew members, as well as related public health measures in the regions affected by this situation.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share