Hantavirus-hit cruise ship leaves Cape Verde after three evacuated
Summary
A Dutch cruise ship, MV Hondius, experienced an outbreak of hantavirus while traveling near Cape Verde. Three people were evacuated for medical treatment, and the ship has started a journey to the Canary Islands under strict health measures, with several cases confirmed or suspected onboard.Key Facts
- The MV Hondius cruise ship has 146 people from 23 countries onboard.
- Three people were medically evacuated: a British man (56), a Dutch crew member (41), and a German passenger (65).
- Three passengers have died since the ship left Argentina; one death was confirmed hantavirus, two others are still being investigated.
- So far, eight hantavirus cases (three confirmed, five suspected) have been linked to the ship.
- Hantavirus usually spreads from rodents, but in this outbreak, it may have spread between people in close contact.
- The ship left Cape Verde and is headed to the Canary Islands, despite some local opposition there.
- Health officials say the risk to the general public is low and have begun contact tracing for exposed people.
- Infectious disease experts and WHO staff are onboard to monitor and manage the situation.
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