Hantavirus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship leaves 3 dead, Several infected
Babushahi Bureau
Praia (Cape Verde), Atlantic Ocean: A suspected outbreak of hantavirus infection on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has left at least three people dead and several others ill, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and South Africa’s Department of Health.
The vessel, identified as MV Hondius, is currently anchored at the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, where passengers have been prevented from disembarking as a precautionary containment measure to reduce the risk of further spread.
According to the WHO, six individuals aboard the ship have tested positive for the virus, including one laboratory-confirmed case. Health authorities have also reported that one patient is in intensive care in South Africa, while arrangements are underway to evacuate two additional patients for medical treatment.
Officials have stated that it remains unclear whether all reported illnesses are definitively linked to hantavirus infection. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak and the route of transmission on board the vessel.