WHO confirms fatalities on cruise ship with Canary Islands destination
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert on Sunday following the deaths of three people who contracted hantavirus, a respiratory infection, aboard the luxury cruise ship ‘MV Hondius’. The vessel departed from the Argentine port of Ushuaia and was en route to Cape Verde, with its final destination set for the Canary Islands.
Confirmed cases and ongoing investigations
“The WHO is aware and is providing support following a public health incident on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed in the laboratory, and there are five further suspected cases,” the WHO explained in a statement. Of the six individuals affected, three have died, and one is receiving treatment in an intensive care unit in South Africa, the international organisation confirmed.
Virus transmission and medical response
The WHO stressed that “detailed investigations are underway,” alongside further laboratory analyses and epidemiological research. “Medical attention is being provided to passengers and crew,” it added. Work is also being carried out on virus sequencing, and the organisation noted that hantavirus infections “are typically linked to environmental exposure” through contact with “urine or faeces from infected rodents.”
“Although rare, hantavirus can be transmitted between people and can cause severe respiratory conditions that require monitoring, support, and patient response,” the WHO explained. The agency is already coordinating with affected member states and ship officials for the medical evacuation of two passengers who have shown symptoms. It is also conducting a health risk assessment and providing support to the remaining passengers.
International health notifications issued
“We have informed our National Focal Points in accordance with International Health Regulations, and a Disease Outbreak Notice will be issued,” the WHO statement concluded.
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