The World Health Organization reported on Monday that seven cases of hantavirus have been confirmed following a suspected outbreak on a luxury cruise ship off the coast of West Africa, carrying predominantly British, American, and Spanish passengers. Among the cases, there were three deaths, one critically ill patient, and three individuals with mild symptoms.
Approximately 150 people, including four Canadians, remained on the ship after three fatalities, including a Dutch couple and a German national, and several others falling ill. Canadian consular officials have been in contact with local authorities, noting no direct impact on Canadian passengers.
Hantavirus, which can lead to severe respiratory illness, is typically spread through airborne particles from rodent droppings or urine. The disease does not easily transfer between humans, and treatment mainly involves supportive care, such as ventilator support for severe cases.
While the World Health Organization stated the low risk to the wider public and advised against panic or travel restrictions, Cape Verdean authorities prevented the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius from docking as a precautionary measure.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship’s operator based in the Netherlands, is exploring the possibility of screening and disembarking passengers at Las Palmas and Tenerife islands. The ship’s voyage, which began in Argentina and passed through various locations before reaching Cape Verde, has faced challenges due to the outbreak.
The cause of the hantavirus outbreak remains unclear, with health experts investigating potential transmission sources, such as rodents on board or infections during previous stops in South America. The investigation includes identifying common areas where infected individuals may have interacted, as person-to-person transmission, though limited, is possible.
Dr. Scott Weese, a veterinarian and professor, highlighted the significance of identifying the infection source, emphasizing the potential role of a single rodent in spreading the virus among multiple individuals on the ship. While person-to-person transmission is feasible, it is not a common route of infection compared to contact with bodily fluids.
Experts believe that passengers may have been exposed to the virus before the cruise, given the virus’s incubation period. Although hantavirus has shown human-to-human transmission in certain strains, the likelihood of a widespread outbreak from this isolated incident is considered low.
