The MV Hondius is facing a rare hantavirus outbreak off the coast of Cape Verde. Three passengers have died due to this outbreak, which has raised serious public health concerns. The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed from Argentina on April 1 for Antarctica.
As of early Tuesday, at least four additional passengers reported mild symptoms related to the virus. Medical teams in protective gear have been dispatched to assist those on board. Passengers are currently isolating in their cabins as a precautionary measure.
The outbreak is linked to inhaling contaminated rodent droppings, a common transmission route for hantavirus. The World Health Organization is monitoring the situation closely and has noted a total of seven cases connected to this incident.
Passengers have expressed their shock and concern. Helene Goessaert stated, “You don’t embark on a trip with the idea that one of your fellow passengers won’t make it.” Meanwhile, Qasem Elhato mentioned, “Our days have been close to normal, just waiting for authorities to find a solution.” The atmosphere on board remains tense as they await further instructions.
The ship plans to sail to the Canary Islands after completing medical evacuations. However, officials have not confirmed the exact port of arrival or the timing for these evacuations. Currently, three individuals require urgent medical care.
Last year, Argentina reported 28 hantavirus deaths, underscoring the seriousness of this disease. The distance from the African coast where the first death occurred is approximately 1,200 miles. A sick British man was evacuated 800 miles north from the ship’s current position.
South African authorities have indicated that while this situation is serious, “the chance of a major public health threat is low.” However, uncertainty remains regarding how quickly medical evacuations can be executed and what measures will be implemented next.
