The MV Hondius is currently anchored off Cape Verde (Image: Getty)
Passengers are trapped on board an Atlantic cruise ship after a suspected rat-borne virus outbreak left three people dead and others seriously ill. The MV Hondius is currently anchored off Cape Verde after authorities refused to allow passengers to disembark.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed it is investigating six suspected cases of hantavirus infection linked to the vessel. Of those six cases, three people have died and one British man is being treated in intensive care in South Africa.
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The MV Hondius can carry around 170 passengers and approximately 70 crew members (Image: Getty)
The cruise had been travelling from Ushuaia, Argentina, towards Cape Verde when the outbreak was reported.
The WHO said it was “aware of the cases of severe acute respiratory illness on a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic”.
As a result, passengers were told to remain on board while the ship awaited permission from Cape Verde authorities to dock, the Daily Mail reports.
A letter sent to passengers from cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions, seen by the Mail, said: “As you are aware, we are responding to several cases of an unidentified virus.
“We regret to share that, overnight, a guest presenting severe symptoms has passed away.
“We are currently anchored offshore of Cape Verde and awaiting approval from the Cape Verde authorities to disembark, with priority given to those who require immediate medical care.
The WHO confirmed that one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed (Image: Getty)
“At this stage, we do not have authorisation from the Cape Verde authorities to disembark.”
The letter also urged those onboard to “follow best practices, wear face masks, maintain distancing, and, where possible, minimise contact with fellow guests”.
It added: “Please remain assured that we are applying pressure through all available channels, including at the diplomatic level, to provide urgent care to individuals presenting severe symptoms and to ensure all guests aboard can be properly supported within an adequate health screening process.”
The WHO confirmed that one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, while five additional suspected cases are under investigation.
Hantaviruses are typically spread through contact with rodents (Image: Getty)
A spokesperson said: “Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.
“Investigations and a coordinated international public health response is underway. We will share more information as it becomes available.”
South Africa’s Department of Health confirmed that a British tourist is being treated in a private health facility in Sandton, Johannesburg, and that laboratory tests had come back positive for hantavirus.
According to health officials, hantaviruses are typically spread through contact with rodents, particularly their urine, droppings and saliva. They are not usually transmitted from person to person.
The Dutch couple who died were aged 70 and 69. Reports suggest the man died first, followed by his wife.
The UK Foreign Office said: “We are closely monitoring reports of a potential hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius and stand ready to support British nationals if needed. We are in touch with the cruise company and local authorities.”
The MV Hondius can carry around 170 passengers and approximately 70 crew members.
The Express has contacted Oceanwide Expeditions for a comment.
