Update
A deadly virus outbreak has been detected on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which sails on the Atlantic Ocean. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), three passengers have died, at least one of whom tested positive for the virus. A fourth victim is fighting for his life in intensive care. Even more people have been affected. This article is continuously updated with the latest information.
Hans Renier
Journalist at HLN
Source: Belga, AFP
LOOK. This is what the boat and interior look like in promo images
The MV Hondius was crossing from Ushuaia, in the far south of Argentina, to the Cape Verde archipelago when the virus struck. The first person to show severe symptoms of acute respiratory syndrome was a 70-year-old man. He died on board the ship. His body is located on the island of Saint Helena, a British island in the South Atlantic Ocean.
His 69-year-old wife also died. She was evacuated to South Africa in a critical condition, but died shortly afterwards in a hospital in Johannesburg. According to AFP, it concerns a Dutch couple. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot yet confirm this.
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses that are mainly spread by rodents
Another victim, a 69-year-old Briton, became seriously ill and, like the woman, was transferred to Johannesburg. He is in the intensive care unit. Foster Mohale, the spokesperson for the South African Ministry of Health, confirms that the Briton has tested positive for a hantavirus.
Six people affected
On Sunday evening, the WHO reported a third death. “To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed in the laboratory, and there are five other suspected cases. Of the six people affected, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa,” it said.
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents, often through direct or indirect contact with their urine, feces or saliva. There are different types of hantaviruses. People who are infected can develop severe respiratory illness, fever, bleeding and kidney function disorders.
WHO research
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been informed. “Research is ongoing and a coordinated international public health response is underway,” the WHO said. According to the WHO, hantavirus can spread from person to person, although this is rare.
The Hondius is currently moored at the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. The ship may then go to the Spanish Canary Islands.
Number of people on board?
On board can accommodate 170 passengers and another approximately seventy crew members and guides. It is unclear whether there are actually that many people on board the ship. The Dutch shipping company Oceanwide Expeditions could not be reached for comment.
The WHO is discussing evacuating two people who have fallen ill. The organization praises, among other things, the speed with which measures were taken.
