A British cruise ship passenger is in intensive care after three people died in a suspected hantavirus outbreak on board a vessel travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.
The World Health Organization told the BBC that three deaths have been linked to the suspected outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
A 70-year-old man fell ill during the voyage and died after the ship arrived at St Helena Island, according to a South African health official. His remains are now awaiting repatriation to the Netherlands.
The man’s 69-year-old wife also became ill. She later died in hospital in Johannesburg. South African officials said the couple were Dutch nationals.
The only confirmed case involves a 69-year-old British national, who is currently receiving treatment in intensive care in Johannesburg.
Two crew members on board the vessel are also said to need urgent medical assistance.
Dutch authorities are arranging the repatriation of two symptomatic individuals. Plans are also in place to return the body of another person who died and remains on the ship.
Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents. It is mainly transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says infections occur when the virus becomes airborne from rodent urine, droppings or saliva. In rare cases, it can spread through rodent bites or scratches.
There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections. Medical care focuses on managing symptoms, including oxygen therapy, ventilation support, antiviral medication and dialysis in severe cases.
Patients with serious symptoms may require admission to intensive care units, where some may need to be intubated.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
