A Dutch cruise ship, the Hondius, is anchored off the coast of Cape Verde following a suspected hantavirus outbreak that killed three passengers and left others seriously ill, with two crew members requiring urgent medical care. Cape Verdean officials have refused to allow the vessel to dock, citing public health concerns.
The ship, operated by the Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, was on a 21-day voyage from South Africa to Cape Verde. It is carrying 149 people of 23 nationalities, according to the operator. The company said the three passengers who died were elderly and had underlying health conditions. At least five other people are seriously ill, and two crew members — one British and one Dutch — need urgent medical evacuation, the operator stated.
Oceanwide Expeditions said it is still awaiting permission from local authorities in Cape Verde to arrange medical evacuations. The ship is currently anchored off the island of São Vicente.
Cape Verdean officials said they will not authorize the ship to dock. "To protect public health," officials stated, according to The Guardian. Health authorities in Cape Verde said they were evaluating the situation and would decide whether to allow the ship to dock, France24 reported.
The suspected cause of the outbreak is hantavirus, a rare virus typically transmitted through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The outbreak was first reported after the deaths of the three passengers, and the ship has been waiting for assistance since then.
No right-leaning sources reported additional details beyond the confirmed numbers of dead and ill, and the urgent care needs of the two crew members. The Washington Times noted that at least five others were seriously ill, consistent with other reports.
As of the latest reports, the Hondius remains at sea, and the operator is working with authorities to secure medical help for those onboard.
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