German passenger set for hantavirus testing after MV Hondius outbreak
The cruise ship remains off Cape Verde as authorities manage cases linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus.
A German passenger from MV Hondius is expected to be taken to a Düsseldorf hospital for hantavirus testing, according to a media report. The passenger reportedly had no symptoms but had been in contact with another German woman who later died aboard the ship.
MV Hondius has been stranded off Cape Verde since early April with about 150 people aboard. Earlier reports said a Dutch couple and a German national had died since the outbreak began. A British passenger was in intensive care in South Africa after being evacuated from the vessel.
Ship operator Oceanwide Expeditions said the planned transfer of three passengers to specialized aircraft was scheduled for Wednesday morning, Cape Verde time.
South African health authorities said testing identified the Andes strain of hantavirus in at least two cases connected to the ship. According to a presentation, the strain was detected in a Dutch woman who died in Johannesburg and a British man receiving treatment there.
The World Health Organization has said the risk to the wider public remains low.