WHO: Virus Outbreak on Hondius Cruise Ship Under Control
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation “under control” aboard the Dutch cruise ship Hondius, currently anchored off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde, following a series of tragic deaths and a potential outbreak of a rare virus.
Three people have died after displaying symptoms of an acute respiratory syndrome during a journey that began in Argentina and traveled through Antarctica and South Atlantic islands. Following the fatalities, Cape Verdean authorities have prohibited any disembarkation to protect public health while medical teams assess those remaining on board.
Emergency Evacuations Planned
Ann Lindstrand, the WHO representative in Cape Verde, confirmed that medical teams are currently evaluating two crew members exhibiting symptoms. Plans are underway for an air ambulance to evacuate the pair, along with a third person who shared a cabin with one of the deceased, back to the Netherlands.
“I want to congratulate the Cape Verdean authorities for the rapid and professional response from the very beginning,” Lindstrand told Lusa, noting that the country’s experience with medical transfers ensures a swift and safe operation once flight schedules are finalized.
The Search for Answers: Is it Hantavirus?
The investigation into the cause of the illnesses is centered on hantavirus. One passenger, a British man currently in intensive care in South Africa, has already tested positive for the virus. Scientists are now performing genomic analysis to determine if the strain is the “Andes type,” a rare variant capable of person-to-person transmission.
Samples from the symptomatic crew members have been dispatched from Praia to the Pasteur Institute in Dakar, Senegal, for urgent testing. Results are expected by Tuesday.
While hantavirus is famously severe—carrying a mortality rate of approximately 35%—Lindstrand emphasized that the risk of person-to-person spread is typically “very rare.” The WHO currently assesses the public health risk to Cape Verde and the surrounding region as “low.”
A Difficult Journey Ends in Tragedy
The 147 passengers and crew, representing 23 nationalities, have endured a harrowing ordeal. The fatalities began with a Dutch couple: a 70-year-old man who died on Saint Helena and his 69-year-old wife who died after being transported to South Africa. A third victim’s body remains on board the vessel in Cape Verde.
“It is a very difficult situation, this waiting, from a mental health perspective,” Lindstrand said. “The captain and health authorities are continuously informing the passengers.”
Once the medical evacuations are complete, the Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is expected to continue its journey to the Canary Islands. The WHO is coordinating with Spanish authorities to conduct a deeper investigation into the origin of the virus and the full trail of the ship’s stops.
Image: Pexels – Andy Brodie
