Hantavirus Suspected in Cruise Ship Illness Outbreak Off West Africa Coast
Health officials evacuated two individuals exhibiting symptoms of hantavirus from a luxury cruise ship following a suspected outbreak. The incident occurred on Monday while the vessel, MV Hondius, was docked off the coast of West Africa, carrying primarily British, American, and Spanish tourists. Approximately 150 passengers remain on board.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship’s operator, has reported the deaths of a Dutch couple and a German citizen attributed to the illness. Investigations have subsequently confirmed hantavirus in a 69-year-old British citizen currently receiving intensive care in a hospital in South Africa, as well as within the deceased Dutch woman. The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has confirmed the outbreak of hantavirus on the ship.
Authorities are working to contain the situation. The BBC reports that the RIVM’s confirmation followed initial assessments. The cause of death for the three individuals has been confirmed as hantavirus.
Further investigation is underway to determine the source of the infection and assess the scope of the outbreak among the remaining passengers on the ship.
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