health
MV Hondius: the ice-breaking expedition cruise hit with hantavirus cases
Polar explorer vessel stuck off coast of Cape Verde usually carries passengers to remote and nature-rich areas
TL;DR
- The MV Hondius, an expedition cruise ship designed for polar waters, is experiencing a suspected hantavirus outbreak.
- Three individuals, including a Dutch couple and a German man, have died, and two cases have been confirmed as hantavirus.
- A total of seven suspected cases have been identified, with another British national seriously ill and evacuated to South Africa.
- Two crew members have also developed breathing issues and require evacuation.
- The ship is currently detained off Cape Verde, with authorities investigating the outbreak.
- The operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, has initiated its highest-level response plan, including isolation and medical monitoring.
- The outbreak occurred during an Atlantic Odyssey trip, with a previous death of a 70-year-old Dutch man en route to Saint Helena.
- Passengers and crew are from various nationalities, with a significant number of crew members from the Philippines.
- US travel blogger Jake Rosmarin shared his experience, highlighting the uncertainty and emotional toll on those onboard.