Three useless and British vacationer in intensive care after virus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship | EUROtoday

Three individuals have died and 5 others have been taken unwell after a suspected virus outbreak on a cruise ship crusing within the Atlantic Ocean.

One case of hantavirus has been confirmed, whereas one British nationwide, aged 69, is in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The outbreak was reported aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.

The MarineTraffic international transport web site recognized the vessel as a Dutch-flagged passenger cruise ship. It situated it as docked in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on Sunday night time.

South African authorities informed the BBC the primary individual to point out virus signs was a 70-year-old passenger who died on board. His physique is now on the island of Saint Helena, a British territory within the South Atlantic.

His 69-year-old spouse additionally turned unwell on board and was evacuated to South Africa, the place she died in a Johannesburg hospital.

The World Health Organisation mentioned that it was working with authorities to evacuate two different passengers with signs from the ship.

Hantavirus infections are usually linked to publicity to the faeces or urine of contaminated rodents, WHO mentioned.

While uncommon, WHO mentioned they are often unfold between individuals and so they can result in extreme respiratory sickness. There is not any particular remedy or remedy, however early medical consideration can improve the prospect of survival.

In a press release, they mentioned: “WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.

“Detailed investigations are ongoing, together with additional laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and help are being offered to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus can also be ongoing.

“Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure (exposure to infected rodents’ urine or faeces). While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response.”

Hantavirus was in the news after the late actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus infection in New Mexico last year. Hackman, who had Alzheimer’s, died a week later at their home.

The MV Hondius is run by tour company Oceanwide Expeditions, described as the “first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships.”

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are carefully monitoring stories of a possible hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius and stand able to help British nationals if wanted. We are in contact with the cruise firm and native authorities.”

The Independent has contacted Oceanwide Expeditions for remark.