Four Aussies are aboard a luxury cruise ship in Cape Verde where passengers have been confined to their cabins as investigations continue into the death of three people linked to rat virus.
A Dutch couple and a German passenger aboard the MV Hondius have died. The Australians aren’t thought to be infected at this stage.
Several others remain seriously ill as a suspected outbreak of hantavirus – often referred to as a rat virus – continues to unfold with the ship now stranded off the coast of West Africa with 150 passengers and crew still aboard.
The outbreak has triggered an international response, with the World Health Organization (WHO) now leading an urgent investigation into the source and spread of the illness.
At least seven cases have been identified, including two laboratory-confirmed infections and several suspected cases. One patient remains in critical condition in a South African hospital, while others onboard are being monitored in isolation.
Early reports suggest symptoms developed over several weeks during the ship’s Atlantic voyage from Argentina.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease typically spread through contact with rodent urine, droppings or saliva. It can cause severe respiratory illness and, in some cases, kidney failure.
Health experts say human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon, though investigations are ongoing to determine whether the confined cruise ship environment may have played a role.
Efforts are underway to evacuate vulnerable passengers, with two individuals already transferred for urgent medical care.
However, strict quarantine protocols remain in place onboard, with passengers confined to cabins and subject to enhanced hygiene measures.
Authorities in Cape Verde have so far denied the ship permission to dock, citing public health concerns. Discussions are continuing with European governments about potentially diverting the vessel to the Canary Islands for controlled disembarkation.
Investigators are now focusing on how the virus may have been introduced onboard, with early theories pointing to rodent exposure either during the voyage or at a previous port of call.
