Passengers aboard a cruise ship in the midst of an outbreak involving seven suspected Hantavirus cases were required to remain on the vessel for 13 days following the initial fatality.
Efforts are underway to contain the suspected rare rodent-borne illness that may have circulated among individuals. Hantavirus, a rare disease primarily carried by rodents, can occasionally be transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents’ urine, feces, or saliva. Approximately 150 individuals on the MV Hondius cruise ship have been instructed to stay on board as the ship drifts in West African waters.
On Monday, the World Health Organization disclosed that the total number of cases had climbed to seven, with three fatalities among the passengers on the luxury Dutch liner.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise operator, disclosed a detailed timeline of the incident and revealed that the deceased person’s body remained on the ship for 13 days. A 70-year-old Dutch male initially exhibited symptoms of fever, headache, and mild diarrhea on April 6, subsequently developing respiratory distress and passing away on April 11.
His body was retained on the vessel, which departed from Argentina, until April 24 when it was disembarked on the remote island of St Helena. The man’s 69-year-old wife also disembarked at that point, having reported gastrointestinal issues during the cruise.
Tragically, the woman’s health deteriorated during a flight to Johannesburg, and she passed away at an emergency facility on April 26. Another passenger, a 69-year-old British man, fell severely ill during the cruise and was evacuated for medical treatment in South Africa, where he remains in critical condition.
Following complaints of shortness of breath and signs of pneumonia, the man had sought medical attention from the onboard doctors, with subsequent confirmation that he tested positive for a strain of Hantavirus.
A female adult passenger displayed symptoms of pneumonia and unfortunately succumbed on May 2, although the exact cause of death remains undetermined. Oceanwide Expeditions stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the precise causes of the fatalities and illnesses, as well as any potential links among them.
While approximately 150 passengers and crew members continue to remain on board the vessel, the operator assured that stringent precautionary measures, including isolation protocols, hygiene practices, and medical supervision, are in place. All passengers have been briefed and are receiving necessary assistance.
Oceanwide Expeditions emphasized that they are closely coordinating with the affected individuals and their families, providing support wherever possible. It was confirmed that among the passengers and crew on the MV Hondius, 19 were British nationals.