A crew member from the UK on a British-flagged cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean is in urgent need of medical attention, while a British passenger is in critical but stable condition due to a suspected hantavirus outbreak. Oceanwide Expeditions, the tour operator, reported three deaths and confirmed two cases of the virus.
The affected individuals include a British passenger receiving treatment in South Africa and a Dutch woman, who, after disembarking, was confirmed to have the virus before passing away on April 27. The company disclosed on Monday that two crew members, one British and one Dutch, are exhibiting respiratory symptoms, with one case being mild and the other severe.
The suspected outbreak occurred on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius during its voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde. The British passenger evacuated to South Africa on April 27 remains in critical but stable condition in an intensive care unit in Johannesburg.
The cruise commenced on April 1, with a passenger passing away onboard on April 11. The cause of death was undetermined at that time. Subsequently, on April 24, the deceased passenger was disembarked in St Helena, where the spouse accompanied the repatriation. Unfortunately, the spouse fell ill during the return journey and also succumbed to the virus. Both passengers were Dutch nationals.
On May 2, a German passenger on the ship passed away, with the cause of death yet to be determined. Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that apart from three individuals requiring medical evacuation, other passengers will not disembark at Cape Verde.
The company stated its preparation for the medical evacuation of the two symptomatic individuals and one associated with the deceased passenger, involving specialized aircraft with medical facilities and trained staff. However, the final disembarkation point, either Las Palmas or Tenerife, is yet to be determined. Hantavirus, typically transmitted through infected rodents’ excreta, can lead to severe respiratory issues and occasionally prove fatal.
The UK Government expressed concern for those onboard MV Hondius due to the hantavirus outbreak. Consular teams are actively coordinating with international partners to support affected British nationals. Additionally, the WHO regional director for Europe, Hans Henri P Kluge, assured the public that the risk of wider transmission is low and emphasized against panic or travel restrictions.
Although rare, hantavirus infections can spread among people, as noted by the WHO. While there is no specific treatment or cure for the virus, patients have a higher chance of recovery with prompt medical intervention.