The MV Hondius had left Argentina three weeks prior to the outbreak. Around 150 passengers were onboard at the time. One confirmed case of hantavirus infection has been reported.

The victims include an elderly couple from the Netherlands. The first victim was a 70-year-old man who died on the ship. His wife collapsed at an airport in South Africa and later died in a nearby hospital.

As of midday, one patient remains in intensive care in a South African hospital. Additionally, two crew members are requiring urgent medical care.

Key facts:

• Three individuals have died due to the outbreak.
• At least three others have been reported sick.
• Local authorities have not allowed anyone to disembark from the ship.
• The World Health Organization is involved and monitoring the situation.
• Hantaviruses are primarily spread through contact with infected rodent urine or feces.

Nicole M. Iovine, MD, PhD, stated that it is possible isolated illnesses may have occurred previously without recognition as hantavirus infections. Prof Adam Taylor noted that some studies have documented human-to-human transmission of certain strains of hantavirus.

This outbreak underscores the importance of cruise ship sanitation and public health risk assessments. Yet, uncertainties remain regarding how the infected individuals contracted the virus and which strain is involved.

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