Three dead in suspected cruise ship virus outbreak as UK tourist in hospital

The suspected outbreak was reported on the MV Hondius, as ITV News’ David Harper reports

Three people have died in a suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

The WHO said one case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases.

South Africa’s Department of Health said a British passenger has tested positive for hantavirus and is being treated in intensive care.

The suspected outbreak was reported on the MV Hondius, which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.

Hantaviruses are mainly spread by rodents, particularly through exposure to infected rodents’ urine or faeces.

But, while rare, it may spread between people and can lead to “severe respiratory illness”.

The first passenger to show symptoms was a 70-year-old male, who “suddenly became ill” while on board and died after arriving in St Helena Island.

South Africa’s Department of Health said he presented a fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

It added that his 69-year-old wife also became ill and later died in a South African hospital.

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The WHO confirmed it is “supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.”

In a statement, it said: “Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations.

“Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.”

It added: “WHO is facilitating coordination between Member States and the Ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board.”

The ship was carrying about 150 tourists from various countries, and left Ushuaia in Southern Argentina around three weeks ago.

It had multiple stops in between, including mainland Antarctica, Falklands, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan, St Helena, Ascension, and Cape Verde.

The MarineTraffic global shipping website identified the vessel as a Dutch-flagged passenger cruise ship. It was located docked in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on Sunday night.

A Foreign Office spokesperson 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.”