WHO investigates hantavirus cases aboard MV Hondius
Three people died and another was in intensive care after illnesses were reported during an Oceanwide Expeditions voyage.
The World Health Organization has reported two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus cases and five suspected cases aboard Oceanwide Expeditions’ MV Hondius. Of the seven affected people, three died between April 11 and May 2, while one person was receiving intensive care, according to the agency.
The ship was sailing from Argentina to the Canary Islands by way of Cape Verde. Oceanwide Expeditions said it was off the Cape Verde coast with 149 people from 23 nationalities aboard.
South African health authorities said the first two deaths were a married couple from the Netherlands. The WHO reported that the wife died on April 26 and subsequently tested positive for hantavirus.
Health officials in South Africa also said a British passenger who was medically evacuated had tested positive for the virus. The passenger was in critical condition, receiving treatment in isolation.
Oceanwide Expeditions said a German passenger died on May 2, though her cause of death had not been established. The WHO said inquiries into the illnesses and deaths were continuing, including further laboratory analysis.