3 passengers died and 3 others contracted the disease after a yacht of a Dutch-based company recorded an outbreak suspected of being caused by hantavirus - a virus transmitted from rodents that can cause serious respiratory diseases. On May 4, Oceanwide Expeditions said it was handling "a serious medical situation" on the ship MV Hondius, when the ship was off Cape Verde.
The ship departed from Argentina about 3 weeks ago with about 150 passengers, passing through Antarctica and many other destinations before reaching the Atlantic region. The Dutch Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed that 2 Dutch nationals were among the deceased.
The World Health Organization said that one of the patients is being actively treated in South Africa. Tests have confirmed the hantavirus in 1 of the 6 people affected. The agency is investigating the outbreak and coordinating with stakeholders to assess public health risks.
Cape Verde authorities have not allowed passengers in need of medical care to leave the train. The Dutch side is seeking to repatriate 2 passengers with symptoms and the body of 1 victim.
Hantavirus is a virus that can spread when humans are exposed to dung or urine from rodents. The disease usually starts with flu-like symptoms, then can lead to heart and lung failure, with a mortality rate of about 40%. There is currently no specific treatment, the treatment is mainly supportive, including the use of ventilators in severe cases.
