Confirmed cases raise alarm as health officials investigate rare virus spread onboard.
Two cases of Hantavirus have been confirmed on the MV Hondius after three passengers died and another was left critically ill. The confirmed infections involve a Dutch woman who died and a 69-year-old British passenger now receiving intensive care in Johannesburg. The causes of death for the other victims are still under investigation.
The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently anchored off Cape Verde with 149 passengers from 23 countries onboard. Strict isolation and hygiene protocols have been enforced, while two crew members with respiratory symptoms await urgent medical evacuation. No other passengers have reported symptoms so far.
The World Health Organization says hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodent waste and rarely transmits between humans. However, experts are examining whether close-contact transmission may have occurred onboard.
Authorities have barred the ship from docking in Cape Verde, with plans underway to move passengers to the Canary Islands for further screening.
Health officials say the public risk remains low, but investigations continue as the situation unfolds.
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