LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- A deadly disease outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship crossing the Atlantic has raised global concern after three passengers died, including one confirmed case of hantavirus, a rare infection often linked to rodents.
The polar cruise journey from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde turned tragic after the outbreak affected several passengers on board the ship.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one case of hantavirus has been confirmed, while five others remain suspected.
“To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases,” the WHO told AFP.
Among the six reported cases, three people have died, and one patient is currently receiving intensive care treatment in South Africa.
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Earlier reports from South Africa’s health ministry through its spokesman Foster Mohale, described the situation as a “severe acute respiratory illness,” which had already claimed at least two lives at the time.
Health officials later confirmed that a patient treated in Johannesburg tested positive for hantavirus, one in a group of viruses that can cause serious illnesses, including hemorrhagic fever.
“Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure (exposure to infected rodents’ urine or faeces). While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response,” the WHO explained
The outbreak appears to have started with a 70-year-old passenger who developed symptoms while on board.
He later died on the ship, and his body was taken to Saint Helena. His 69-year-old wife also became ill during the trip and was evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a Johannesburg hospital.
As at press time, authorities were yet to confirm their nationalities.
Another affected passenger, a 69-year-old British man, was also airlifted to Johannesburg and remains in intensive care.
Reports suggest that a Dutch couple may be among those who died, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Following this, discussions are ongoing about whether two additional sick passengers should be isolated in a hospital in Cape Verde before the ship continues its journey to Spain’s Canary Islands.
The WHO said it is “facilitating coordination” between national health authorities and the ship’s operators to arrange medical evacuations.
The MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is a polar cruise vessel that carries about 170 passengers and 70 crew members.
It had been scheduled to stop at several remote islands, including South Georgia and Saint Helena, during its voyage.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents, their droppings, or contaminated dust.
Notably, different strains exist worldwide, each with varying symptoms and levels of severity.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while working to prevent further spread among passengers and crew.
