Three passengers have died and multiple others have become seriously ill from what health officials believe is a hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, the World Health Organization announced Sunday.
The WHO confirmed to The Associated Press that investigators are looking into the incident, with laboratory testing verifying at least one hantavirus case. The virus spreads through contact with contaminated urine or droppings from infected rodents, particularly rats and mice.
According to the United Nations health agency, one patient remains in critical condition at a South African medical facility, while officials work to remove two additional symptomatic passengers from the vessel.
“Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations,” WHO said. “Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.”
Health officials explain that hantavirus typically transmits through exposure to waste from infected rodents. Though uncommon, the WHO notes the virus can pass between humans and may cause serious respiratory complications.
No targeted therapy exists for hantavirus, though prompt medical intervention can improve survival rates.
While the WHO did not name the ship, South African news outlets reported the outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius during its voyage from Argentina toward Cape Verde near West Africa’s coast.
Maritime tracking systems show the Dutch-registered passenger vessel docked in Praia, Cape Verde’s capital city, Sunday evening.
South African health department representative Foster Mohale told local media that the initial fatality was an elderly male passenger who died aboard the ship. His spouse subsequently passed away at a South African medical center, according to Mohale’s statements.
The virus gained recent attention following the death of Betsy Arakawa, widow of late actor Gene Hackman, from hantavirus infection in New Mexico last year. Hackman died one week after his wife at their residence.
