British crew member in urgent care amid suspected hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship
A British crew member is in urgent need of medical care following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a luxury cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, where three people have died, and several others have fallen ill.The outbreak emerged on the MV Hondius, which was carrying 149 passengers from 23 countries after departing southern Argentina in March. The Guardian reported that at least seven cases of hantavirus, including confirmed and suspected infections, have been identified, prompting emergency response efforts and isolation measures on board.
Cases confirmed as the ship held off Cape Verde
The vessel remains anchored off the coast of Cape Verde after multiple passengers and crew developed symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) said the cases include three deaths, one critically ill patient, and several others with mild symptoms.Two crew members, including the British national, were reported to be experiencing acute respiratory symptoms, with one case described as severe. A British passenger, aged 69, is also in intensive care in South Africa after being evacuated from the ship.
Deaths linked to rare virus
Authorities have linked hantavirus to the deaths of three individuals, a Dutch couple and a German national, although investigations into the exact cause and transmission are ongoing. The infection, typically spread through contact with rodent droppings or urine, can cause severe respiratory illness.Passengers and crew have been placed under strict isolation protocols, with enhanced hygiene and medical monitoring introduced across the vessel.
Uncertainty over evacuation and next steps
Efforts are underway to evacuate critically ill individuals, while authorities consider potential docking locations, including Spain’s Canary Islands. Cape Verde officials have so far denied permission for the ship to dock, citing public health concerns.Officials said coordination is ongoing between international health agencies and governments to manage the situation and arrange medical evacuations where necessary.
Investigation into the source continues
Health experts have not yet determined how the virus was introduced on board. Possible sources include exposure during earlier travel stops in South America or transmission linked to rodents on the vessel.The WHO said the risk to the wider public remains low, with no travel restrictions currently advised, as investigations continue into the outbreak’s origin and spread.
