04.05.2026 10:22
Suspected hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic caused panic. The WHO announced that 3 passengers died and at least 3 others fell ill. While passengers on the ship anchored in Cape Verde were not allowed to disembark, the source of the outbreak is being investigated. It is not yet clear how the virus, which has a high mortality rate, emerged on the ship.
An alert was raised about a suspected hantavirus case on a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that three people have died and at least three others have fallen ill due to the potential outbreak.
NO PERMISSION TO DISEMBARK
It was reported that those who died on the ship named MV Hondius were passengers, and the vessel is currently anchored in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. Authorities have not yet allowed passengers to go ashore, while health teams conducted inspections on the ship. It was reported that two crew members required emergency medical intervention.
HOW THE OUTBREAK STARTED REMAINS UNCLEAR
The WHO stated that hantavirus was confirmed through laboratory tests in only one of the patients, while other cases remain suspected. It was noted that how the outbreak started is still unclear, and detailed investigations are ongoing.
Experts indicate that hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with mice and rodents.
DEATHS CAUSE SHOCK
It was conveyed that one of the deceased was a 70-year-old man, and his wife fell ill and died in a hospital in South Africa. It was reported that two of the deceased passengers were Dutch nationals.
“HIGHLY UNUSUAL”
Experts emphasize that the emergence of hantavirus in a ship environment is extremely rare, and they are considering the possibility that the source of the virus could be within the ship itself.
A DEADLY DISEASE
Hantavirus is known as a rare but dangerous disease that can cause severe respiratory failure, with a mortality rate of up to 38 percent. There is no definitive treatment for the disease.