Passengers aboard a cruise ship in the midst of an outbreak with seven suspected cases of Hantavirus were required to remain on the vessel for 13 days after the initial fatality.
Efforts are underway to contain the potential spread of the rare rodent-borne disease known as Hantavirus. The World Health Organization disclosed that the number of cases has risen to seven, with three fatalities among passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
One of the deceased passengers, a 70-year-old Dutch male, exhibited symptoms and passed away after developing respiratory distress. His body was kept onboard until it was disembarked on St Helena island on April 24. Subsequently, his wife, who had also shown symptoms, disembarked, but tragically passed away in Johannesburg on April 26.
Another passenger, a 69-year-old British man, fell critically ill and was evacuated to South Africa for medical treatment. He tested positive for a variant of Hantavirus.
While investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the deaths and illnesses, stringent precautionary measures including isolation protocols, hygiene practices, and medical supervision are being implemented onboard to safeguard the remaining 150 passengers and crew members. Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise operator, confirmed that 19 passengers and 4 crew members are British nationals and are receiving necessary support.
The operator assured that they are closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance to all those affected and their families.