Medics are evacuating two individuals showing symptoms of hantavirus from a luxury cruise ship off West Africa, where a suspected outbreak has occurred. The vessel, carrying mostly British, American, and Spanish passengers, remains anchored with around 150 people onboard after three deaths, including a Dutch couple and a German national. A British passenger who disembarked is being treated in South Africa.
Hantavirus, which can lead to severe respiratory illness, is primarily spread through airborne particles from rodent droppings or urine, and not easily transmitted between humans. There are no specific treatments; care focuses on supportive measures, including ventilators for severe cases. The World Health Organization has assessed the public risk as low, advising against panic or travel restrictions. However, Cape Verde has denied the MV Hondius docking as a precaution.
The ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, is exploring options for passenger screening and potential disembarkation on nearby islands. They are also arranging the repatriation of symptomatic crew members and the deceased. The source of the hantavirus remains unclear, with possibilities including rodent transmission onboard or infection during a previous stop in South America.
