Three individuals have passed away following a suspected viral outbreak on a cruise ship believed to be linked to rodent excrement. The World Health Organization reported that a British national on board the MV Hondius is in critical condition, with at least three other passengers showing symptoms of illness.
The MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was en route from Argentina to Cape Verde. The ship set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20 and was scheduled to reach Cape Verde on May 4.
According to South African health officials, a 70-year-old man and his 69-year-old wife succumbed to the illness after falling sick. The man passed away on the ship, and his body was transported to Saint Helena, while his wife was airlifted to South Africa but unfortunately died in a Johannesburg hospital. Details of the third fatality have not been disclosed.
A 69-year-old British man was also evacuated to Johannesburg and is currently under intensive care. The South African Department of Health spokesperson confirmed that he fell ill on the ship and tested positive for Hantavirus.
The UK’s Foreign Office spokesperson expressed readiness to assist British nationals affected by the potential hantavirus outbreak on the Hondius cruise ship, in collaboration with the cruise company and local authorities.
The World Health Organization is actively involved in facilitating coordination between member states, the ship’s operator, and assisting with medical evacuations, public health risk assessments, and support for passengers still on board.
Oceanwide Expeditions provided details that the ship is 107.6m (353ft) long and has the capacity to accommodate up to 170 passengers in 80 cabins.
