By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The World Health
Organization (WHO) has confirmed two cases of Hantavirus and identified five additional suspected infections aboard a cruise ship stranded off Cape Verde, raising concerns over a rare but potentially deadly outbreak at sea.
In a statement released Tuesday, the WHO discloses that a total of seven cases have been recorded among passengers and crew on the vessel, including three deaths, one critically ill patient, and three individuals experiencing mild symptoms. The agency noted that while the situation is serious, the overall risk to the global population remains “low.”
The affected ship, the MV Hondius, was on a voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde when symptoms began to emerge between April 6 and April 28. The illness has been characterised by fever, gastrointestinal complications, and, in severe cases, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and shock.
Health authorities are particularly focused on contact tracing efforts linked to a passenger who travelled on an April 25 flight from Saint Helena to Johannesburg before later dying. The WHO confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and monitor individuals who may have been exposed during that journey.
The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is carrying 147 people of 23 nationalities, including passengers from the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States, as well as crew members from the Philippines. Several individuals have already been evacuated for urgent medical care, while others remain onboard under close observation.
According to the WHO, hantavirus infections are rare but can be severe. The virus is primarily transmitted through exposure to urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. Although uncommon, limited human-to-human transmission has been documented in previous outbreaks.
The agency says investigations are ongoing to better understand the source and spread of the infections, while reiterating its commitment to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
