‘Morale on ship is high’: Inside ‘hantavirus’ cruise ship where 3 died, others fell sick

What has WHO said?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) chief, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that the WHO was notified about a “cluster of passengers” with respiratory issues aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship last Saturday in a news conference, reported BBC.

Speaking on the cases, he said that eight cases have been reported, including three deaths. He added that five of those cases are confirmed, while the other three are suspected.

How have people aboard the ship reacted?

Qasem Elhato, a passenger aboard the ship, shared a video of the ship’s mood, AP reported. “Our days have been close to normal, just waiting for authorities to find a solution. But morale on the ship is high and we’re keeping ourselves busy with reading, watching movies, having hot drinks and that kind of things,” he said.

Belgian passenger Helene Goessaert told broadcaster VRT that everyone is “in the same boat, literally,” adding, “You don’t embark on a trip with the idea that one of your fellow passengers won’t make it.”

She noted that communication has been consistent: “We receive information at regular intervals. It is accurate. For the rest, it is a waiting game. Today we received fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. That was very important to us.”

What are the cases reported on cruise?

Among the deaths caused by the virus, the first was of a Dutch man, whose body was removed at St. Helena on April 11.

The second was his wife, who collapsed at the Johannesburg airport and subsequently died in the hospital on April 26.

A sick British man was also evacuated to South Africa and remains in intensive care. Two other cases have tested positive for hantavirus.

How did Hantavirus spread on luxury ship?

Hantavirus typically spreads through inhaling contaminated rodent droppings and does not usually transmit person to person, though health officials say it might be possible.

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, told AP that officials are investigating possible human-to-human transmission and believe the first person was likely infected before boarding. Officials have been told that there are no rats on board.

The Cape Verde authorities sent medical teams to the ship as a precaution, while South Africa has begun contact tracing. Officials emphasize that the risk of a major public health threat remains low.

(Written by Nityanjali Bulsu, who is an intern at The Indian Express.)