Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Prompts International Health Alert in Cape Verde BODY: Johannesburg, South Africa — An outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, has left health authorities across the globe on high alert.
The cruise ship, currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde, has been denied disembarkation for passengers following the discovery of the virus, which has led to at least three deaths.
The vessel, carrying nearly 150 passengers and crew, is en route to the Canary Islands in Spain. Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia reported that passengers remaining on board are currently asymptomatic. Once in Tenerife, all non-Spanish citizens will be repatriated to their countries, Garcia assured.
The outbreak has drawn international attention due to the identification of the Andes variant of hantavirus, a strain known to spread between humans under rare circumstances. South Africa’s health ministry emphasized that transmission requires “very close contact,” unlike more common viruses like COVID-19 and influenza.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed three confirmed cases and five suspected infections. Passengers from the Netherlands, Germany, and Britain have been among those affected, with some evacuated to the Netherlands for treatment.
The incident has prompted investigations in Argentina, where the ship began its voyage on April 1, and other countries have traced contacts linked to the voyage.
The WHO’s risk assessment indicates a low but significant risk to the global population.
The Hondius has also been navigating remote destinations, including the British territory of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, and the incident has unsettled residents in Tenerife, where the ship is expected to dock. Passenger Kasem Hato described life aboard the ship as relatively calm despite the restrictions. “People are taking the situation seriously but without any panic,” he.
As the Hondius continues its journey, the international community awaits further developments and the lessons that can be learned from this rare and tragic event.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Segun Adeyemi
