A deadly outbreak of suspected hantavirus has turned a luxury “Atlantic Odyssey” voyage into a crisis, leaving three passengers dead and at least seven others sickened aboard the MV Hondius. The vessel, carrying roughly 150 passengers, remains in limbo off the coast of West Africa after being denied entry to local ports.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and medical experts are currently investigating two primary theories for how the virus spread.
While hantavirus is traditionally contracted through contact with the waste or saliva of infected rodents, the location of the ship’s departure—Ushuaia, Argentina—has raised fears of a rarer, more dangerous scenario.
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Dr. Zaid Fadul, a former Air Force flight surgeon, noted that the Andes virus subtype found in Argentina is the only strain capable of person-to-person transmission. “That’s where a lot of anxiety in this case is coming from,” Fadul said, pointing out that the Andes strain carries a mortality rate near 40%.
The WHO has not ruled out this possibility. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, stated Tuesday that officials believe some human-to-human transmission may be occurring among close contacts on the ship.
However, the WHO also noted that many passengers might have been infected during land excursions before even boarding.
Despite the fear of a mutating virus, many researchers believe a rodent-borne source is still the most probable culprit. Giulia Gallo, a virus researcher with the Pirbright Institute, suggested that travelers likely came into contact with infected droppings in South America.
“It might have been during touristic activities in the region, or infected rodents might have been present on the ship,” Gallo said.
The situation turned critical on Monday when the island nation of Cape Verde refused the ship permission to dock, citing the need to protect national public health.
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One death has been officially confirmed as hantavirus, while two other fatalities remain suspected cases. Another passenger is currently fighting for their life as authorities work to evacuate those requiring urgent medical intervention.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator of the Dutch cruise liner, confirmed they are managing a “serious medical situation.”
The company is currently exploring the possibility of sailing 1,000 miles northeast to the Canary Islands, where passengers could potentially be screened and allowed to disembark.
For those remaining on the 353-foot vessel, the focus remains on containment. Fadul emphasized that risk can be significantly reduced through basic precautions. “Prevention is the key,” he said, advising passengers to maintain strict hand hygiene and wear masks when around others.
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