Cape verde: Three individuals aboard an Atlantic cruise ship have died following a suspected hantavirus outbreak, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The fatalities include a Dutch couple and a German national who were passengers on the MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions.
According to Ghana Web, two cases of hantavirus have been confirmed, including the Dutch woman who disembarked in Saint Helena and later succumbed to the virus in a South African hospital. The cause of death for the other two passengers, including the German national who died from pneumonia, is still under investigation. The cruise was on a voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde when the outbreak was reported, affecting several onboard.
The hantavirus, primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent excreta, can lead to severe illnesses like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). The virus is rare but can be deadly, with HPS having a mortality rate of approximately 38%. The outbreak on the MV Hondius has raised concerns over the health and safety of the 149 people from 23 countries still on board, as two crew members are presenting respiratory symptoms, though hantavirus has not been confirmed in them.
A 69-year-old British passenger aboard the ship, who became critically ill, was medically evacuated to South Africa, where hantavirus was confirmed. The timeline of the outbreak reveals a rapid progression of the virus among passengers, with the first case developing symptoms on April 6 and subsequent fatalities occurring in late April and early May.
Globally, hantavirus cases are estimated at 150,000 annually, with a significant concentration in Europe and Asia. The US has reported 890 cases since surveillance began in 1993. There is no specific treatment for hantavirus, and care recommendations include oxygen therapy and intensive care for severe cases. Preventive measures focus on reducing rodent contact, sealing entry points, and using protective gear when handling potential contamination areas.
This outbreak follows a recent case in February 2025, where Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from a hantavirus-related illness. The recurring instances emphasize the need for heightened awareness and preventive strategies against this virus.