Key Summary
- Hantavirus has killed three passengers on a cruise ship traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
- A 69-year-old UK citizen remains in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Early signs often resemble common flu symptoms.
Three people have died after being reportedly infected by Hantavirus on a cruise ship MV Hondius that was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
A 69-year-old UK national is has been hospitalised in Johannesburg, South Africa, and local officials told the BBC he had the virus.
Operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, the MV Hondius, with 150 international tourists aboard, left Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and completed its journey on 4 May in Cape Verde.
Oceanwide has said it is handling a “serious medical situation” aboard the MV Hondius after three Dutch nationals, including a couple aged 69 and 70, tragically passed away.
“In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members on board require urgent medical care."
The UK foreign office told the BBC it was monitoring reports, and ready to support British nationals.
About the virus
Hantaviruses belong to the Bunyaviridae family and are primarily hosted by rodents like rats, mice, and voles, per NHS information.
In humans, they trigger illnesses from mild flu-like conditions to serious respiratory distress or kidney-related hemorrhagic fever. Each strain ties to a specific rodent species.
Each hantavirus is linked to a different rodent host.
Transmission occurs mainly through breathing in aerosols from contaminated rodent urine, feces, or saliva.
The incubation period usually spans 2–4 days but can extend up to eight weeks.
The initial symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) can easily be confused with influenza.
They would include a fever exceeding 101F, chills, muscle aches, severe headaches, nausea, stomach complaints, and a notably dry cough. Without warning, however, breathing difficulties can rapidly develop.
No dedicated treatments exist for HPS, but prompt ICU intervention can greatly aid recovery. Antivirals like ribavirin, used for some hantavirus types, may be considered in dire situations, though large trials are needed to prove their efficacy.
