An outbreak of hantavirus has been recorded on board the MV Hondius, claiming the lives of three passengers.
According to South African authorities, one of the deceased – a 69-year-old British citizen – tested positive for hantavirus. This virus can cause severe respiratory illnesses and hemorrhagic fever. Infected rodents are considered the main carriers of the infection.
The first symptoms appeared in a 70-year-old passenger who died on board the ship. His wife also fell ill and later died in a Johannesburg hospital after being evacuated from the liner. A third infected passenger died in South Africa after being hospitalized in intensive care.
The MV Hondius liner was traveling from Ushuaia (Argentina) to Cape Verde (Africa). According to ship tracking services, the vessel is currently at the port of Praia – the capital of Cape Verde.
The World Health Organization stated that they are monitoring the situation and coordinating an international investigation into the outbreak on board the ship.
