Lisbon: Health authorities are responding to a worrying outbreak after seven cases of hantavirus were confirmed or suspected on a cruise ship currently stranded in the Atlantic Ocean. The World Health Organization said the cases include two confirmed infections and five suspected ones, prompting urgent monitoring and international coordination.
The situation has turned serious after three passengers died following symptoms linked to the virus. The deceased include a Dutch couple and a German national. Another passenger is reported to be in critical condition and is undergoing treatment in South Africa. Other individuals on board are said to have mild symptoms and are being closely observed by medical teams.
The outbreak has been identified on the expedition vessel MV Hondius, which is carrying about 150 passengers from different parts of the world, including Europe and North America. The ship began its voyage in Argentina in March and later travelled through Antarctic regions before heading towards Africa.
Authorities in Cape Verde have refused the ship permission to dock due to health concerns. As a result, the vessel remains offshore while officials work on plans to safely manage the situation. The restriction aims to prevent any possible spread of the infection, even though hantavirus is not known to spread easily between people.
Health teams and international agencies are now working together to organise medical support and possible evacuation of affected passengers. Spain’s Canary Islands are being considered as a possible location where passengers could disembark under strict medical supervision. Testing, isolation, and treatment measures are expected to be put in place if the plan goes ahead.
The World Health Organization has reassured that the overall risk to the wider public remains low. Experts explain that hantavirus mainly spreads through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine, or saliva. Human to human transmission is extremely rare, which reduces the likelihood of a large scale outbreak.
Doctors say early symptoms of hantavirus infection include fever, tiredness, and muscle pain. In more severe cases, the disease can affect the lungs and cause breathing difficulties. This condition, known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, can become life threatening if not treated quickly.
The outbreak is unusual because hantavirus cases are normally linked to rural or forested areas where people are exposed to rodents. An incident on a cruise ship is rare and has raised questions about how the virus spread in such a setting. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether exposure occurred during earlier stops in the journey or from conditions on board.
Passengers and crew are being monitored, and additional health and safety measures have been introduced on the ship. Isolation of suspected cases, enhanced sanitation, and regular health checks are part of the response efforts.
Officials continue to focus on protecting those on board while preventing any wider health risk. The incident highlights the importance of quick action and international cooperation in managing unexpected outbreaks in global travel environments.