By Jerald Jimenez
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the operator Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed the detection of a hantavirus outbreak on board the MV Hondius shipwhich has caused the death of at least three people between April 11 and May 2.
So far, laboratory tests confirmed two positive cases, one of them remains admitted to intensive care, while another five suspects are being investigated.
Conology of those who died from hantavirus
The incident occurred during the ship’s journey from Argentina to the Canary Islands. The first victims were a Dutch couple. The 70-year-old husband died on April 11 after experiencing fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea.ABC News reported.
For her part, his wife, 69, disembarked in Saint Helena and later died on April 26 in South Africa after collapsing at the airport. Their tests confirmed the presence of hantavirus.
A third passenger of German nationality died on May 2 from causes that are still being investigated, after showing symptoms of pneumonia. On the other hand, a British citizen was evacuated from Ascension Island to South Africa, where he is in critical condition and under isolation in a private medical center in Sandton.
Situation of the crew and passengers on board
The ship is currently off the coast of Cape Verde with 149 people of 23 different nationalities. The WHO specified that three people with suspicious symptoms remain on board among the crew. Currently, two people of British and Dutch origin present acute respiratory problems of varying severity and a third person presents high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Oceanwide Expeditions has confirmed that passengers will not disembark in Cape Verde, except for the three people who require immediate medical evacuation. The company is considering directing the boat to Las Palmas or Tenerife so that the rest of the occupants can undergo additional checks under the supervision of the WHO and the health authorities of the Netherlands.
“Strict precautionary measures are being implemented on board, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring.”. All passengers have been informed and are receiving support,” the company stated in its latest statement.
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