On May 3, the Dutch expedition cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions announced that a serious medical emergency had occurred on board its expedition vessel Hondius.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), three passengers have died from symptoms suspected to be caused by hantavirus infection. Another passenger is being treated in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Johannesburg, and two crew members are also in need of urgent medical attention. No decision has yet been made regarding the transfer of these two individuals to medical facilities.
As of 11:00 p.m. on May 3 (Central European Time), the ship was located off the coast of Cabo Verde. The company has not received permission from the Cabo Verde authorities for the disembarkation of passengers requiring medical care or for the implementation of medical screening.
Hantavirus infection is associated with exposure to the urine and feces of infected rodents, and in rare cases can be transmitted from person to person, potentially causing severe respiratory illness.
The Dutch authorities are leading efforts to repatriate the bodies and their next of kin to the Netherlands. The WHO will conduct a full public health risk assessment and provide support for the passengers remaining on board. Approval from the Cabo Verde authorities will also be required.
In addition, the company reports that it is working closely with domestic and international authorities, including the WHO, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment of the Netherlands (RIVM), the embassies of the countries concerned, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, to coordinate the disembarkation and medical screening of all passengers.
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