In a statement on Twitter (X), the WHO confirmed that three of the passengers — two of whom are Dutch — have died.
WHO added that detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations.
Furthermore, the ship’s passengers and crew are receiving medical care and support, while virus sequencing is underway.
Reuters reports that the Netherlands-based Oceanwide Expeditions said in a news release it was "managing a serious medical situation" on a polar expedition ship, the MV Hondius, which was off Cape Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic west of Africa.
Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure (exposure to infected rodents’ urine or faeces).
While rare, hantavirus can spread between people and lead to severe respiratory illness, requiring careful patient monitoring, support, and response, according to the WHO.
The organisation stated that it is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship’s operators for the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board.
The South African Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, told EWN that more details on the British tourist and the outbreak would be publicised following a briefing from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).
