A crew member from the UK is in need of urgent medical attention, while a British passenger is in critical but stable condition after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Oceanwide Expeditions disclosed that three individuals have passed away, and two cases of the virus have been officially confirmed.
Among the cases reported are a British passenger under care in South Africa and a recent case involving a Dutch woman who tragically passed away on April 27 after disembarking. The company confirmed on Monday that two crew members, one British and one Dutch, are displaying severe respiratory symptoms, with one experiencing mild symptoms.
The suspected outbreak occurred on the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, which was en route from Argentina to Cape Verde. The British passenger airlifted to South Africa on April 27 is still in a “critical but stable” state and is receiving treatment in an intensive care unit in Johannesburg.
The voyage of the ship commenced on April 1, during which a passenger died on board on April 11, with the cause of death remaining undetermined on the vessel. Subsequently, on April 24, the deceased passenger was disembarked on St Helena with their spouse for repatriation.
Tragically, the spouse fell ill during the return journey and passed away. Authorities later confirmed that she had tested positive for a hantavirus variant. Both passengers were Dutch nationals.
On May 2, a German passenger on board also passed away, with the cause of death yet to be determined according to the tour operator. Oceanwide Expeditions mentioned that guests, apart from three individuals requiring medical evacuation, will not be disembarking in Cape Verde.
The tour operator stated that Dutch authorities are making arrangements for the medical evacuation of the two symptomatic individuals and the person associated with the deceased guest. This will involve specialized aircraft equipped with the necessary medical facilities and staffed by trained medical personnel, although this plan is subject to change.
The ship may potentially proceed to Las Palmas or Tenerife, but the final disembarkation location has not been confirmed. Hantavirus infections, typically transmitted through infected rodents’ urine or feces, can result in severe respiratory illness and sometimes lead to fatalities.
A spokesperson from the UK Government expressed concern for those aboard the MV Hondius and the affected families, mentioning that FCDO Consular teams are actively supporting British nationals in the UK, South Africa, Spain, and Portugal. Efforts are ongoing with international partners and the cruise ship operator.
The WHO regional director for Europe, Hans Henri P Kluge, stated that the risk to the general public is low, emphasizing that there is no need for panic or travel restrictions. While rare, hantavirus infections can spread among individuals, with no specific treatment available. Early medical intervention can improve the chances of patient survival.
