In addition to the two hantavirus infections that had already been confirmed, another five possible cases have been identified on the Dutch cruise ship Hondius, the WHO reports in an initial report. The organization also confirms that the Dutch woman who died after the suspected outbreak was actually infected with the virus.
According to the WHO, a total of three people have died: the Dutch woman, her husband and a German woman. In addition, one patient is in critical condition in a hospital in South Africa. Three others have only mild complaints.
The virus has so far only been confirmed in the deceased Dutch woman and the man who is in hospital, but the WHO assumes that the Dutch man was also probably infected.
Evacuation
Cruise company Oceanwide indicated late on Monday to the ANP news agency that Dutch authorities are preparing to evacuate two crew members with symptoms and a passenger who traveled with a deceased German passenger. Two specially equipped aircraft would be used. However, this plan is not yet final and may still change.
There are currently 149 people of 23 different nationalities on board. The ship is currently moored off the coast of Cape Verde.
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