|By Adejumo Adekunle
A suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus infection aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has left three people dead and at least three others affected, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and South Africa’s health authorities.
The WHO said investigations are ongoing, with at least one case of hantavirus confirmed. One patient is receiving intensive care in a South African hospital, while efforts are underway to evacuate two others showing symptoms.
The outbreak was identified on the MV Hondius, which was travelling between Argentina and Cape Verde. Ship-tracking data showed the vessel near Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on Sunday evening.
Among those who died were a Dutch couple, aged 70 and 69. South Africa’s health ministry said the man fell ill on board and died on the island of Saint Helena, while his wife later died in a hospital in Kempton Park, South Africa.
A 69-year-old British man who also became ill was transferred to a private facility in Johannesburg, where he tested positive for hantavirus.
Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with urine or faeces of infected rodents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can cause severe illnesses affecting the lungs or kidneys.
The WHO said it is supporting the response and coordinating with national authorities and the ship’s operator to manage the situation, including laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations.
“WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean,” the agency said, adding that medical assistance is being provided to passengers and crew.
The ship is operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, which confirmed that two crew members require urgent medical attention, while a third deceased individual remains on board.
The company said local health authorities have assessed the symptomatic individuals, but the ship has not yet received clearance from Cape Verdean officials to allow disembarkation for treatment.
Oceanwide Expeditions added that it is working with authorities to arrange medical evacuation and repatriation of affected passengers and the remains of the deceased.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said it is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the cruise company and local authorities to support British nationals if needed.
