Passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship remain stranded at sea following a deadly outbreak of hantavirus, a rat-borne virus, which has claimed three lives and left a British man critically ill.

Outbreak and Fatalities

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed six suspected cases of hantavirus infection on the ship, which was traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde, Africa. The first two fatalities were a 70-year-old Dutch man and his 69-year-old wife.

A 69-year-old British passenger was airlifted to Johannesburg, South Africa, and is currently in intensive care. The WHO is closely monitoring the situation, recognizing the severity of the respiratory illness affecting those onboard.

Ship Anchored Off Cape Verde

Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise operator, announced on Sunday that the MV Hondius is anchored off the coast of Cape Verde while awaiting approval from local authorities to allow passengers to disembark. The company expressed deep regret over the recent loss of a passenger.

Passenger Concerns

The cruise operator emphasized the importance of continued precautions, including mask-wearing, social distancing, and minimizing contact between travelers. Passengers have described the situation as a nightmare, with some reporting limited communication from Oceanwide Expeditions.

One anonymous passenger told the Daily Mail they had not received updates from the cruise company and remain in contact with friends still on the ship.

Hantavirus Information

The MV Hondius can accommodate up to 170 passengers and 57 crew members, and previously offered luxury cabins priced between €12,500 and €40,000 for a full voyage. Hantaviruses are typically spread by rodents and can cause severe illnesses like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

Symptoms and Transmission

Symptoms of HPS include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, while HFRS can cause headaches, back pain, nausea, and blurred vision. The WHO has laboratory-confirmed one case of hantavirus infection, with five additional cases under investigation.

The organization stresses that the virus is not typically transmitted person-to-person, but through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

International Response

As of Sunday night, the WHO is coordinating an international public health response, providing medical care and support to affected passengers and crew. The ship’s journey, which included stops at South Georgia and St. Helena, has been overshadowed by the outbreak, leaving passengers in a state of uncertainty.