Three people have died and a Briton is fighting for his life after a suspected virus spread through rodent feces on a cruise ship. One case of hantavirus has been confirmed, while another five suspected infections are being investigated.
The disease is serious and can often be fatal, and is spread primarily by inhaling airborne particles from the urine, feces or saliva of rats. The World Health Organization told the BBC that the outbreak was reported aboard the MV Hondius, which was en route from Argentina to Cape Verde. Hantavirus infection is typically associated with environmental exposure, such as exposure to the urine or feces of infected rodents. In rare cases, the virus can spread between people and cause serious respiratory illness. Foster Mohale, speaking on behalf of South Africa’s health ministry, earlier told the BBC that at least two people had died. The ship is operated by Dutch tour firm Oceanwide Expeditions.
According to the company’s itinerary, the ship departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20 and was scheduled to arrive in Cape Verde on May 4.
South African officials said the first person to develop symptoms was a 70-year-old passenger, who died on the plane, with his body later transferred to St. Helena Island.
During the trip his 69-year-old wife also fell ill and was airlifted to South Africa, where she later died in a hospital in Johannesburg.
A 69-year-old British man was also airlifted to Johannesburg, where he is currently receiving intensive care.
According to Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship is 107.6 meters (353 ft) long and can accommodate 170 passengers in 80 cabins.
The World Health Organization said it was helping to coordinate efforts between member states and the ship’s operator, including the medical evacuation of the two symptomatic passengers, a full public health risk assessment and support for those still on board.
