WHO: Cape Verde Cruise Hantavirus Likely Started Off-Ship
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a probable origin for a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship currently off the coast of Cape Verde. According to health officials, the infection likely originated outside the vessel before spreading among passengers.
Source of Infection Identified
The outbreak, which occurred on the Dutch vessel Hondius, has claimed three lives. Despite the deaths occurring on board, Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, stated that the timing suggests the initial exposure happened on land.
“Taking into account the duration of the hantavirus incubation period, which can range between one and six weeks, our hypothesis is that they were infected outside the boat,” Van Kerkhove explained during a press briefing in Geneva.
Possible Human-to-Human Transmission
While hantaviruses are typically contracted through contact with infected rodents or their waste, the WHO is investigating the rare possibility of secondary spread. Officials admitted that “person-to-person” transmission may have occurred among the passengers who fell ill.
“We believe there may have been transmission between individuals who had very close contact,” Van Kerkhove added.
Status of the Hondius
There are currently 147 people remaining on the ship. Despite the tragic fatalities, local health representatives believe the immediate danger has passed. Ann Lindstrand, the WHO representative in Cape Verde, confirmed that the situation on the Hondius is now “under control” following the cases of acute respiratory syndrome that led to the three deaths.
Health authorities continue to monitor the remaining passengers and crew as the vessel remains off the Cape Verdean coast.
Image: Pexels – Ana Marta Jorge
