Hantavirus Cases To Be Evacuated From Ship
Two seriously ill crew members from the MV Hondius cruise ship will be evacuated for urgent medical care after a suspected hantavirus outbreak linked to three deaths triggered an international health response.
Hantavirus Outbreak On Cruise Ship
The MV Hondius has been under medical scrutiny after suspected hantavirus infections were linked to the deaths of three passengers. The vessel, carrying 88 passengers and 59 crew members from 23 nationalities, has been anchored near Cape Verde’s capital, Praia.
Cape Verde authorities had barred the ship from docking after passengers and crew were placed in isolation. Health officials are now coordinating evacuation and onward medical checks for those on board.
Crew Members To Be Evacuated
The ship’s Dutch operator said two seriously ill crew members will be evacuated via Cape Verde to the Netherlands for urgent treatment. A third person, who was in close contact with a German passenger who died, is also expected to be evacuated.
After the evacuation, the ship is expected to sail to Spain’s Canary Islands, where passengers and crew will undergo medical examination, care and transfer arrangements.
WHO Tracks Hantavirus Cases
Two hantavirus cases have been confirmed, including one fatality and a British passenger in intensive care in Johannesburg. Five more cases are suspected, with some people on board reporting milder symptoms.
Hantavirus usually spreads through contact with infected rodents, especially their urine, droppings or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is rare, but has been reported with the Andes virus, which circulates in South America. Health officials are still working to identify the exact virus strain and trace possible exposure.
