Hantavirus outbreak on Atlantic cruise liner leaves three dead – BBC

Three people have died following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, the World Health Organization has confirmed to the BBC.

The agency stated that one case of hantavirus has been officially confirmed, while five additional suspected cases remain under investigation. A 69-year-old British national is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The UK Foreign Office told the BBC it is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist British citizens if needed.

The outbreak occurred on board the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was en route from Argentina to Cape Verde.

According to South African authorities, the first individual to develop symptoms was a 70-year-old passenger who died while still on the vessel. His body has since been transferred to the island of Saint Helena, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic.

His 69-year-old wife also fell ill during the voyage and was evacuated to South Africa, where she later died in a hospital in Johannesburg.

The couple were Dutch nationals, according to AFP, citing a source familiar with the case.

Speaking anonymously, the same source told AFP that the third person who died remains on board the ship. Discussions are ongoing regarding whether two other passengers showing symptoms should be placed in isolation at a hospital in Cape Verde.

The vessel is reportedly expected to continue its journey to Spain’s Canary Islands after the situation is addressed.

The WHO added that it is coordinating with relevant member states and the ship’s operators to facilitate the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers. It is also conducting a comprehensive public health risk assessment and providing support to those still on board.

Hantavirus infections are typically associated with environmental exposure, particularly through contact with urine or droppings of infected rodents. In rare instances, however, the virus can spread between humans, potentially causing severe respiratory illness.

By Jeyhun Aghazada