CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Three people have died and one case of hantavirus has been confirmed among passengers on a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, the World Health Organisation said on Sunday.
Six individuals were affected in the incident, of whom three have died and one is in intensive care in South Africa, it said in a post on X.
The WHO did not name the vessel or its operator, although a source familiar with the situation said it was the MV Hondius, travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
“WHO is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board,” the WHO said.
A Dutch foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed that two Dutch passengers had died, but gave no further details.
Sky News reported that a British tourist was being treated in a hospital in South Africa after the suspected hantavirus outbreak, citing South Africa’s Department of Health. It also quoted Britain’s Foreign Office as saying it was closely monitoring reports of a potential hantavirus outbreak on the Hondius and was in touch with the cruise company and local authorities.
The Hondius is described as a 107.6-metre polar cruise ship, hosting 170 passengers in 80 cabins, along with 57 crew members, 13 guides and a doctor.
About 150 tourists were on board at the time of the outbreak. Several online tour operators said the Hondius, which is described as a specialist polar cruise ship, costs about $18,000 per person and is popular with bird watchers.
The British Foreign Office and South Africa’s Department of Health did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Hantavirus, which is found throughout the world, is spread by contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents like rats and mice. The virus gained attention after the late actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus infection in New Mexico last year.
Hantavirus, which is found throughout the world, is spread by contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents like rats and mice. The virus gained attention after the late actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus infection in New Mexico last year.
While rare, WHO said hantavirus infections can be spread between people.
There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical attention can increase the chance of survival. – Reuters
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