Dutch: A deadly virus Hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has triggered global concern after three people died and dozens remained trapped onboard near Cape Verde.
Moreover, reports confirmed that two Indian crew members are among the 149 people currently on the ship.
As a result, the Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius has become an international health emergency.
Cruise Ship Quarantined Near Africa
The Dutch expedition cruise ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently stationed near Cape Verde after health authorities detected the dangerous virus onboard.
According to reports, the outbreak has already claimed the lives of a Dutch couple and a German passenger.
Moreover, medical teams shifted one critically ill passenger to South Africa for urgent treatment.
Health officials are now monitoring the remaining infected passengers and crew members closely.
Hantavirus outbreak: Two Indian Crew Members Among Passengers
The company released a nationality list showing passengers and crew from 23 countries.
Moreover, the list confirmed the presence of two Indian crew members onboard the ship.
However, authorities have not revealed their identities or current medical condition.
As a result, concerns about the safety of the Indian nationals continue to grow.
WHO Monitoring Situation Closely
World Health Organization and local health authorities are actively monitoring the situation.
Officials instructed everyone onboard to remain isolated and follow strict safety measures.
However, the Indian Embassy has not yet released any official statement regarding the Indian crew members.
Therefore, uncertainty surrounding the outbreak remains high.
What Is Hantavirus?
The Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius involves the dangerous Andes strain of the virus.
According to health experts, hantavirus mainly spreads through contact with rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.
Moreover, the Andes strain can rarely spread from person to person.
The ship had originally departed from Argentina for an Antarctica expedition before heading toward the Canary Islands.
Investigators believe passengers may have contracted the virus in Argentina or Chile before boarding.
Passengers Continued Activities Despite First Death
Reports revealed that passengers continued dining, socializing, and moving around the ship even after the first death occurred onboard.
Authorities issued stronger warnings only after the situation worsened.
As a result, multiple international health agencies have now joined the investigation.
Officials are also tracing passengers who had already left the ship earlier.
5 Key Points of Hantavirus outbreak:
- Three people died in the Hantavirus outbreak onboard MV Hondius.
- The cruise ship is currently quarantined near Cape Verde.
- Two Indian crew members are among 149 people onboard.
- WHO and global health agencies are monitoring the crisis.
- Authorities suspect infection started in Argentina or Chile.
