“We’re not just a story, we’re not just headlines, we’re people”
A blogger on board the MV Hondius cruise ship has spoken out about their ordeal during a suspected hantavirus outbreak. Three people have died and a Brit is fighting for their life after they were rushed to hospital from the ship.
Operator of the cruise, Oceanwide Expeditions, has warned that there is a “serious medical situation on board” and has confirmed that the British passenger, who is in the ICU, has hantavirus, which is spread by rats.
Another Brit who is a crew member, is also needing “urgent care”, the Mirror reports. Earlier today, US travel blogger, Jake Rosmarin took to Instagram to update his 44,000 followers about the situation.
An emotional Jake said: “I am currently on board the MV Hondius, and what’s happening right now is very real for all of us here.
“We’re not just a story, we’re not just headlines, we’re people. People with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home. There’s a lot of uncertainty, and that’s the hardest part.
“All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity, and to get home. So if you’re seeing coverage about this, just remember that there are real people behind it, and that this isn’t something happening far away.
“It’s happening to us, right now.”
Dutch company, Oceanwide Expeditions, said two crew members, British and Dutch employees, had “acute respiratory symptoms”, with both needing “urgent medical care” and one showing “severe” symptoms.
Three others – two Dutch nationals and one German – have died, although Oceanwide Expeditions said the cause of their deaths has not yet been confirmed. The company has said there were 23 Brits on board, including 19 passengers and four crew members.
As of Monday afternoon, the ship remains off the coast of Cape Verde, with 149 people on board, 19 of whom are British passengers and four British crew members.
There are two crew members on board, of British and Dutch nationality, with acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe, Oceanwide Expeditions said.
It added that both require urgent medical care, and at this time, no one else with symptoms has been identified.
Hantavirus has not currently been confirmed in the two people still on board who require medical care, nor has it been established that the virus is connected to the three deaths associated with the voyage, the tour operator said.
The cruise’s operator said the disembarkation of passengers, medical evacuation and medical screening require permission from, and co-ordination with, the local health authorities, who have “visited the vessel and assessed the situation”.
The ship’s journey began on April 1, and a passenger died on board on April 11, Oceanwide Expeditions said.
The cause of death could not be determined on board. On April 24, this passenger was disembarked on St Helena, with his wife accompanying the repatriation.
The WHO said: “Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations.
“Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.”
The risk to the wider public remains low, according to Hans Henri P Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe. He added that there is “no need for panic or travel restrictions”.
While it is rare, hantavirus infections can spread between people, according to the WHO.
There is no specific treatment or cure but patients have a better chance of survival if they receive medical attention early.
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