Global health authorities are working to contain a hantavirus outbreak aboard an expedition cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, after six passengers contracted the rare rodent-transmitted disease and three have died.
The MV Hondius, operated by Netherlands-based Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently dealing with what the company describes as “managing a serious medical situation” while positioned near Cape Verde, an island chain off the west coast of Africa.
The polar expedition departed from Argentina approximately three weeks ago carrying roughly 150 passengers, making stops in Antarctica and other destinations before reaching its current location, according to news reports.
Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization’s regional director for Europe, emphasized Monday that authorities see no cause for alarm. “The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,” Kluge stated.
Kluge explained that the WHO is responding rapidly to assist with the medical emergency and is collaborating with affected nations to provide medical treatment, evacuation services, investigation support, and public health risk evaluation.
“Hantavirus infections are uncommon and usually linked to exposure to infected rodents. While severe in some cases, it is not easily transmitted between people,” Kluge noted.
A representative from the Dutch Foreign Ministry verified that two Dutch nationals among the passengers have died, though no additional information was provided.
According to WHO communications on social media, one infected passenger is currently receiving intensive care treatment in South Africa. Sky News identified this patient as British, citing information from South Africa’s Department of Health.
Laboratory testing has positively identified hantavirus in one of the six affected individuals, health officials confirmed.
