WHO Confirms Three Deaths from Hantavirus on Atlantic Cruise Ship
Three deaths aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic have been linked to suspected Hantavirus, with WHO coordinating investigations and additional patients under treatment in South Africa.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed at least three deaths aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean from a suspected Hantavirus outbreak, with urgent epidemiological investigations currently underway and multiple additional patients affected.
According to AP reports, the outbreak occurred on the cruise ship MV Hondius traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde. Of all patients affected, at least one has been confirmed with Hantavirus infection, while other patients remain under investigation.
All three fatalities were cruise ship passengers. Some patients have been transferred to medical facilities in South Africa, with at least one in critical condition requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment.
WHO stated it is coordinating with relevant health authorities to investigate the source of infection, track close contacts, and implement disease control measures to prevent further spread.
The first symptomatic patient was a 70-year-old passenger who died aboard ship. His body is currently in Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic. His 69-year-old wife, who became ill on the ship, was transferred to South Africa for treatment but died at a Johannesburg hospital.
The third case involves a 69-year-old British man transferred to Johannesburg and currently receiving ICU treatment.
Hantavirus is found in rodents such as rats and can spread to humans through contact with contaminated secretions including urine, feces, or airborne particles. It can cause severe respiratory or kidney complications. However, human-to-human transmission is rare.
Infection typically occurs from inhaling contaminated dust from dried rodent urine or feces in enclosed areas like storage rooms, cabins, or areas with accumulated debris. Infection can also occur through contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the face, or in some cases from rodent bites. The risk of widespread outbreak remains low compared to other respiratory diseases.
Public health officials continue closely monitoring the situation and accelerating investigations to confirm the cause of deaths and contain the outbreak as quickly as possible.
