The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring a possible hantavirus outbreak reported aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was traveling between Ushuaia, Argentina, and Cape Verde in the Atlantic.
According to information released by the organization, six people have been affected by symptoms consistent with the disease. So far, one case has been laboratory-confirmed and five others are under investigation.
Of the six people infected, three have died. Another victim remains hospitalized in serious condition in an intensive care unit in South Africa.
The situation triggered an international health alert due to the rarity of hantavirus transmission in enclosed spaces and the possibility, albeit uncommon, of person-to-person transmission.
British patient hospitalized in South Africa.
Among the confirmed or suspected cases is a 69-year-old British citizen, hospitalized in Johannesburg. This information was confirmed by authorities from the South African Ministry of Health.
According to official reports, a 70-year-old passenger was the first to show symptoms during the trip and died while still on board the cruise ship.
His body was washed ashore on the island of Saint Helena, a British territory located in the South Atlantic.
The passenger's wife, also 69 years old, later developed symptoms, was transferred to South Africa, and died in a Johannesburg hospital.
WHO investigates the source of the contamination.
The WHO reported that specialized teams are conducting laboratory investigations and epidemiological studies to identify the source of the infection and assess additional risks.
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Although human-to-human transmission is considered extremely rare, some specific types of the virus have this potential.
Genetic sequencing of the virus has already begun to determine which variant is circulating on the ship and to guide containment protocols.
Medical evacuation is under negotiation.
International authorities and cruise operators are discussing the transfer of two sick passengers to a hospital in Cape Verde, where they can be isolated and receive specialized care.
After the medical evacuation, there is a possibility that the ship will resume its route towards the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located a few days' sail away.
The WHO stated that it is coordinating efforts between the countries involved, port authorities, and the company responsible for the vessel.
According to the organization, the initial response was considered quick and appropriate given the situation.
Polar vessel continues to be monitored near Cape Verde.
The MV Hondius is operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, a company based in the Netherlands, and specializes in polar expeditions.
The vessel has a capacity for approximately 170 passengers, in addition to about 70 crew members.
On Sunday, maritime tracking platforms indicated that the ship was near the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde.
The case continues to be monitored in real time by international health authorities, while passengers and crew remain under medical supervision.
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