Three passengers evacuated from MV Hondius amid suspected hantavirus cases
The expedition ship remained off Cape Verde with nearly 150 people aboard as health authorities traced possible infections in Europe and Africa.
Three passengers suspected of having hantavirus infections were being evacuated from the MV Hondius to the Netherlands on Wednesday, according to the World Health Organization. Operator Oceanwide Expeditions said two evacuees were in serious condition, while the third had no symptoms.
The WHO reported eight cases connected to the ship, including three confirmed through laboratory testing. Authorities said tests conducted in Switzerland, South Africa and Senegal were positive for the Andes strain. The agency also reported three deaths and said one body remained aboard the vessel.
Nearly 150 people representing 23 nationalities remained on the ship off Cape Verde while awaiting a voyage to Spain’s Canary Islands. Health officials said those still aboard showed no symptoms. The WHO said contact tracing was underway in Europe and Africa to identify possible infections linked to earlier travelers who had already left the vessel.