A 69-year-old British man was evacuated to Johannesburg
A suspected hantavirus outbreak linked to rodent droppings has claimed the lives of three people on a cruise ship travelling between Argentina and Cape Verde.
One case has been confirmed and five others are being investigated, with a British national currently in intensive care. The World Health Organisation said the infections were detected aboard the MV Hondius.
Hantavirus is typically associated with environmental exposure to infected rodents, though limited human‑to‑human transmission h as been documented and can result in serious respiratory illness. A spokesperson for South Africa’s health ministry confirmed at least two people had died onboard the vessel, which the Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions operates.
The ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20, according to the company’s published itinerary, due to arrive in Cape Verde on Monday (May 4).
A 69-year-old British man was evacuated to Johannesburg during the trip as passengers showed signs of the virus, and is currently receiving treatment in intensive care.
South African authorities confirmed the first person to show symptoms was a 70-year-old passenger who died on board. His body has since been transferred to the island of Saint Helena.
The man’s 69-year-old wife also became ill during the journey and was evacuated to South Africa, where she later died in a Johannesburg hospital.
The ship measures 107.6m (353ft) in length and can carry up to 170 passengers across 80 cabins, according to Oceanwide Expeditions
The WHO said it is assisting with coordination between member states and the ship’s operator, including the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, a full public health risk assessment, and support for those still on board.
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