Three people have died after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator of the MV Hondius ship, said a Dutch husband and wife and a German national who were on board the vessel had died. Two cases of hantavirus have been confirmed so far, including the Dutch woman who died.
The causes of the deaths of the other two passengers are being investigated. Meanwhile two members of crew are presenting with respiratory symptoms, Oceanwide Expeditions has said. The outbreak was reported aboard the cruise ship which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
Hantavirus refers to a strain of viruses carried by rodents, primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings. Infections typically occur when the virus becomes airborne from a rodent’s urine, droppings, or saliva, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Though rare, it can also spread through rodent bites or scratches.
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The virus can cause two severe illnesses. The first, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), often starts with fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, followed by headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal issues. If respiratory symptoms develop, the mortality rate is approximately 38%, according to the CDC.
The second illness, Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal syndrome (HFRS), is more severe and primarily affects the kidneys. Later symptoms can include low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.
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