Hantavirus outbreak suspected on MV Hondius as Cape Verde blocks passengers from disembarking

Footage obtained by The Associated Press showed most of nearly 150 cruise passengers staying inside cabins off Cape Verde. Three passengers died and at least four others fell ill in a suspected hantavirus outbreak. Local authorities barred people from going ashore due to health concerns. The MV Hondius has waited offshore for medical help and next steps.

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The MV Hondius is a Dutch ship on a weekslong polar trip from Argentina to Antarctica. The route also includes remote islands in the South Atlantic. Video showed quiet decks and empty shared spaces. A few masked people moved outside. At least five people in full protective gear used a small vessel after leaving the ship.

Hantavirus outbreak response on MV Hondius

The World Health Organization said on Monday that passengers were told to remain in cabins. The WHO said the aim was to reduce risk during disinfection and other steps. Cape Verde sent doctors, surgeons, nurses and laboratory specialists to assist the vessel. Officials in Praia said port-area safety steps were raised as a precaution.

Cape Verde’s measures focused on a rodent-borne illness that the WHO said can spread between people, but rarely. It was still unclear when ill people would be moved off the ship. The WHO said late Monday that sick passengers would soon be evacuated to the Netherlands for care. Oceanwide Expeditions operates the ship from the Netherlands.

Hantavirus outbreak evacuation plan and Canary Islands route

Oceanwide Expeditions said it would consider sailing to Tenerife or the port of Las Palmas. This would happen if evacuation to Cape Verde was not possible. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove spoke in Geneva on Tuesday about current plans. "We're working with Spanish authorities, who will welcome the ship,\" Kerkhove said.

Kerkhove also said no other people on board had symptoms. Kerkhove said the ship could move once two sick people were evacuated. Cape Verde earlier said three individuals reported mild symptoms. Spain’s health ministry said monitoring was under way with the WHO and other countries.

Spain’s health ministry added that decisions depended on the situation and port choice. It said: \"it was conducting close monitoring, together with the World Health Organization and other involved countries, of the situation on the ship... and the most appropriate port of call will be decided. Until then, the Ministry of Health will not adopt any decision, as we have informed the World Health Organization.\"

Hantavirus outbreak monitoring and voyage timeline

The ship left Ushuaia in southern Argentina on April 1, provincial authorities said. Ushuaia health officials said no passengers had symptoms at departure. Juan Facundo Petrina told the AP symptoms can take up to eight weeks after exposure. The WHO said on Monday night no new cases had symptoms then.

The WHO said the event was being watched closely for changes. The agency said the response involved an international effort and detailed investigations. It also included isolation and care, medical evacuation, and laboratory work. Oceanwide Expeditions said late Monday the mood stayed calm among passengers.

Cape Verde National Director of Health Angela Gomes said local protection was the priority. \"And for this reason, all assistance is being provided with personal protective equipment, with maximum protection, both to our medical team, but also to the entire team that assists the medical team in transporting it to the vessel,\" Gomes told Radiotelevisao Caboverdiana radio.

With inputs from PTI