Three deaths linked to possible hantavirus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported three deaths on Sunday linked to a possible outbreak of hantavirus infection, an illness that can cause acute respiratory syndrome, on a cruise ship in the Atlantic.

This ship, the MV Hondius, connected Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde. He was on Sunday just in front of the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, an AFP photographer and videographer noted.

"To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and five other cases are suspected. Of the six people affected, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa," the UN agency told AFP.

This passenger, a 69-year-old British national, is hospitalized in Johannesburg, said a South African spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Foster Mohale.

"Although rare, hantavirus can be transmitted from person to person and cause serious respiratory illness; it requires careful patient monitoring, appropriate support and management," WHO said.

"In-depth investigations are underway, including additional laboratory analyzes and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also underway," she added.

Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans through infected wild rodents, such as mice or rats, which shed the virus through saliva, urine and feces. A bite, contact with these rodents or their droppings as well as inhalation of contaminated dust can cause infection.

There are many types of hantaviruses, which are distinguished by their geographic distribution and clinical presentation. According to the website of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP), “a single type of virus, extremely rare, can be transmitted from one human being to another”.

According to a source with knowledge of the file and who requested anonymity, there would be a Dutch couple among the three deaths. The third victim is still on board the ship.

- "Rapid and coordinated action" -

It was a 70-year-old cruise passenger who first showed symptoms. He died on board the ship and his body is currently on the island of Saint Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, according to the South African spokesperson.

His wife, aged 69, also fell ill on board the ship and was evacuated to South Africa: she died there on an undetermined date in a hospital in Johannesburg, a specified the same source, which was not able to specify the nationality of the victims.

"WHO organizes medical evacuation of two passengers showing symptoms