Organização Mundial of Saúde confirmed this Sunday an outbreak of hantavirus on board the cruise ship MV Hondius, a ship sailing by Atlântico between Argentina and Cabo Verde. Três passengers died and one person remains in intensive care in hospital on África of Sul. The WHO reported that one case was confirmed in the laboratory and five other people have suspected symptoms of the infection.
The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, carries approximately 170 passengers and 70 crew members. Estava near the port of Praia, in Cabo Verde, when the situation was reported to the Organização agency of Nações Unidas. Investigações in-depth studies include additional laboratory analyzes and ongoing epidemiological studies.
Vítimas and first confirmed cases
A 70-year-old Dutch passenger was the first to show symptoms of the disease. The man died on board the cruise, and his body was left on the island of Santa Helena, British territory in Atlântico Sul. Sua’s wife, also 69 years old, fell ill during the trip and was transferred to África from Sul, where she died in Joanesburgo’s hospital.
Segundo sources who requested anonymity, a Dutch couple were among the three dead. The third victim remains on board the vessel. A 69-year-old British citizen is in intensive care at a hospital in the South African capital, confirmed the spokesperson for Ministério of South African Saúde Foster Mohale.
Transmissão and hantavirus characteristics
Hantaviruses are transmitted primarily by rodents through contact with their urine, feces and saliva. The disease can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome in humans. Embora rare, the virus can be transmitted from person to person, warned the WHO in an official statement.
According to Escritório Federal of Saúde Pública of Suíça, only an extremely rare type of hantavirus can be transmitted between people. Centro of Controle and Prevenção of Doenças of Estados Unidos (CDC) classifies human transmission as exceptional and requires special isolation care for suspected cases.
Ações for international coordination and evacuation
The WHO said it was “facilitating coordination” between the countries involved and the ship’s operators to organize the medical evacuation of two passengers with symptoms. The agency praised “the speed of the measures adopted and the good coordination between the parties involved.”
Negociações are underway to transfer two other sick passengers to a hospital on Cabo Verde, where they would be isolated in a controlled environment. Após the completion of these transfers, the MV Hondius could resume the route towards the Ilhas Canárias, approximately two or three days of navigation. Passageiros and crew receive ongoing medical care on board.
Ship Características and itinerary
The MV Hondius is classified as a polar cruiser and is operated by the company Oceanwood Expeditions, based on Países Baixos. The vessel offers itineraries that depart from Ushuaia, on Argentina, to Cabo Verde, making stops on the Geórgia islands of Sul and Santa Helena.
Informações from maritime monitoring platforms indicate that the ship has capacity for approximately 170 passengers and approximately 70 crew members. The original route of the MV Hondius passes through remote and difficult-to-access regions, requiring specific medical response procedures in the event of health emergencies on the high seas.
Investigações ongoing
Sequenciamento virus genetics is being performed to identify the specific strain present on board. Epidemiological Estudos seeks to track the initial source of contamination and map contact between confirmed and suspected cases during the trip.
The following measures have been implemented:
- Isolamento of patients with respiratory symptoms
- Testes laboratory tests for diagnostic confirmation
- Rastreamento of contacts between passengers and crew
- Análises ship’s environment to identify possible animal source
- Coordenação with health authorities from multiple countries
- Monitoramento continuous new suspected cases
WHO continues to monitor the situation and provide technical support to local authorities involved in responding to the outbreak. The agency stressed that in-depth investigations continue to determine the exact origin of the transmission on board the cruise.