Dutch expedition vessel heads toward Tenerife as global health agencies monitor passengers and crew following rare virus outbreak
Cape Verde: A rare hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch expedition ship MV Hondius has triggered an international health response after three passengers died and several others tested positive during the voyage across the Atlantic.
Among the 149 people currently onboard are two Indian crew members, although officials have not yet revealed details about their health condition. The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is carrying passengers and crew from 23 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain.
According to the company, infected individuals have already been evacuated for treatment. “All three individuals, two symptomatic and one asymptomatic, are now in the care of medical professionals,” the operator said in an official statement.
The ship departed Cape Verde on May 6 and is now sailing toward Tenerife, where it is expected to arrive within the next few days. Authorities said no symptomatic passengers remain onboard at present.
Meanwhile, health agencies, including the World Health Organisation and Dutch health authorities, are coordinating screening and quarantine measures for passengers and crew.
Health experts believe the outbreak may involve the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare rodent-borne infection that can, in uncommon cases, spread through close human contact.
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