Portuguese Crew Isolated on Cruise Ship After Hantavirus Deaths
A Portuguese crew member is among those isolated aboard the Dutch cruise ship Hondius, currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde following a deadly outbreak of acute respiratory syndrome. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed three deaths on board, with at least one case of the rare, rodent-borne hantavirus identified.
Portuguese National Reported Safe
Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) confirmed to Lusa that one Portuguese citizen is working as a crew member on the vessel. According to government sources, the individual is currently in good health and has not yet requested diplomatic assistance. “The information we have at the moment is that the Portuguese citizen is doing well,” a ministry official stated.
Vessel Quarantined Off Port of Praia
The Hondius, which is carrying 147 passengers and crew members of various nationalities, is currently stationary at the entrance to the Port of Praia. Local authorities have denied the ship permission to dock or disembark passengers. Images from the scene show health personnel in full protective suits providing assistance to those on board.
Cape Verde’s Ministry of Health reported that three additional people are currently showing symptoms. While their condition is described as clinically stable, authorities are preparing for a potential medical evacuation by air ambulance if their health deteriorates.
The Source of the Outbreak
The vessel was traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Canary Islands, having spent time in the South Atlantic for wildlife observation tourism. The WHO’s confirmation of hantavirus suggests a potential link to rodent exposure during the voyage, though investigations are ongoing.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the company operating the cruise, confirmed to the Associated Press that the body of the third victim remains on the ship. The company stated its immediate priority is securing medical care for two other ill crew members.
International Response and Public Safety
Despite the fatalities, Cape Verdean health officials insist the situation is under control. “International Health Regulations are being followed to protect public health,” the Ministry of Health stated, adding that there is currently “no risk to the population on land.”
The emergency response is a coordinated international effort involving health and port authorities in Cape Verde, the WHO, and government officials from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Image: Pexels – Click Shadow
