Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Near Cape Verde
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is on high alert following a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship currently anchored off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde. The African Union’s health agency announced Monday that it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with international partners to contain the virus.
The outbreak involves the cruise vessel Hondius, which is carrying 147 passengers and crew. To date, seven cases of hantavirus infection have been confirmed. The virus has proven swift and lethal; three individuals have died, and one remains in critical condition in a South African hospital. The remaining infected individuals are reported to have mild symptoms.
Swift Progression of Illness
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the first signs of trouble emerged between April 6 and 28. Patients initially reported fever and gastrointestinal distress, but the illness progressed rapidly to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, and shock.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans through direct contact with the saliva, urine, or droppings of infected rodents. Unlike many respiratory viruses, hantavirus is not known to spread from person to person. Because of this, the WHO currently assesses the risk to the general global population as low.
A Coordinated International Response
The Africa CDC is urging member states across the continent to bolster their port health services and reinforce infection prevention protocols. “Member States must strengthen port health services, reinforce infection prevention and control measures, and ensure timely reporting of suspected cases,” the agency stated.
A multi-national response is currently underway. Health authorities from Cape Verde, South Africa, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom are collaborating on case investigations, medical evacuations, and laboratory testing to ensure the outbreak does not spread further.
While the ship remains off the coast of Cape Verde, the Africa CDC says it will remain in constant contact with the affected countries to provide technical support and updated risk assessments as the situation evolves.
Image: Pexels – Angelo Esposito
