Hantavirus Outbreak: 3 Dead on Cruise Ship off Cape Verde
Health authorities in Cape Verde are responding to a medical emergency aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship after three people died from a severe acute respiratory syndrome. The vessel, the Hondius, is currently anchored off the coast of Praia as medical teams in full protective gear assess the situation.
Quarantine Measures in Place
Cape Verdean health professionals boarded the vessel early Friday morning to conduct medical evaluations. According to government sources, no passengers or crew members will be allowed to disembark on the archipelago. The ship, which is visible from the capital city, will remain offshore while maintaining constant communication with island authorities.
WHO Confirms Hantavirus Outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the respiratory illness has been identified as hantavirus, a group of viruses typically transmitted by rodents that can lead to fatal hemorrhagic fevers.
“Today, one case of hantavirus infection was laboratory-confirmed and five other cases are suspected. Of the six people affected, three have died,” a WHO spokesperson told Agence France-Presse. A fourth patient, a 69-year-old British national, is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa, after testing positive for the virus.
The Journey of the Hondius
The Hondius was traveling on a wildlife observation expedition through the South Atlantic, a route that began in Ushuaia, Argentina, and was intended to conclude in Cape Verde. The ship visited several remote islands during its journey before the outbreak occurred.
International health agencies and South African authorities are now coordinating a public health response to contain the virus. Tracking data from MarineTraffic confirms the Dutch vessel remains stationary off the coast of Praia as investigations continue.
Image: Pexels – Angelo Esposito
