Three die after virus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship
Three die after virus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship 5 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Tinshui Yeung The MV Hondius was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde Three people have died after a suspected...
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Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Three die after virus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship 5 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Tinshui Yeung The MV Hondius was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde Three people have died after a suspected virus outbreak on a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has told the . One case of Hantavirus has been confirmed, with five more suspected cases under investigation, it said. One British national is reportedly in intensive care.
The incident was reported aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde. Hantavirus infections are usually linked to environmental exposure, such as contact with urine or faeces from infected rodents, but in rare cases can spread between people, leading to severe respiratory illness. Foster Mohale, a spokesperson for South Africa's health ministry, earlier told the that at least two people had died.
The Details
The MV Hondius is run by Dutch-based tour company Oceanwide Expeditions. According to an itinerary on the Oceanwide Expeditions website, MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia in Argentina on 20 March and was expected to complete its journey on 4 May in Cape Verde. South African authorities told the the first person to show symptoms was a 70-year-old passenger who died on board.
His body is now on the island of Saint Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic. His 69-year-old wife also became ill on board and was evacuated to South Africa, where she died in a Johannesburg hospital. A 69-year-old Briton was also reportedly evacuated to Johannesburg, where he is being treated in intensive care.
According to Oceanwide Expeditions, MV Hondius is a 107. 6m (353ft) long polar cruise ship, with space for 170 people in 80 cabins. WHO also said it was helping co-ordinate between member states and the ship's operators for the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as a full public health risk assessment and support for those still on board.
The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.
