An outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, with one British citizen currently fighting for his life.
A 70-year-old man fell ill on the MV Hondius and passed away upon arrival at St Helena Island. His remains are awaiting repatriation to the Netherlands. His 69-year-old wife also fell ill and died in a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to a South African official, the couple were of Dutch nationality. The identity of the third deceased person has not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, a 69-year-old British man remains in intensive care in Johannesburg. Hantavirus, a deadly virus, is transmitted through inhaling infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
Hantavirus infections commonly occur by exposure to contaminated rodent materials. In rare instances, person-to-person transmission can occur, leading to severe respiratory issues.
Initial symptoms of hantavirus infection may resemble the flu, including fever, chills, muscle aches, severe headaches, nausea, stomach discomfort, and a dry cough. Breathing difficulties can escalate quickly, putting infected individuals at risk of severe respiratory failure.
The MV Hondius cruise ship has recorded three fatalities due to a suspected hantavirus outbreak.
Following illness on the MV Hondius, a 70-year-old man tragically passed away upon reaching St Helena Island, with arrangements being made for his repatriation to the Netherlands. His 69-year-old wife, who also fell ill, succumbed to the virus in a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.
An official from South Africa has confirmed that the couple were of Dutch descent.
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