The victims were passengers of the MV Hondius
The Foreign Office has issued a statement following a suspected outbreak of hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that has left three people dead. The victims were passengers of the MV Hondius which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde, according to the World Health Organisation .
Reports state that another person, who is a British national, is currently in intensive care. Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'We are closely monitoring reports of a potential hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius and stand ready to support British nationals if needed.
“We are in touch with the cruise company and local authorities. ” Hantavirus typically comes about following contact with urine or faeces from infected rodents. In some cases, the virus can spread between people and lead to a dangerous respiratory illness. South African authorities report the first person to show symptoms was a 70-year-old passenger who died on board.
His body has since been transferred to the island of Saint Helena. His 69-year-old wife also became ill during the voyage and was evacuated to South Africa, where she later died in a Johannesburg hospital. A 69-year-old British man was also evacuated to Johannesburg and is currently receiving treatment in intensive care.
The WHO said it is assisting with coordination between member states and the ship’s operator, including the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, a full public health risk assessment, and support for those still on board. Their full statement reads: 'WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases.
'Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa. 'Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.
'Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure . While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response.
'WHO is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board. 'WHO is grateful for the rapid actions and coordination amongst all involved. ' Hantavirus was in the news after the late actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus infection in New Mexico last year. Hackman died a week later at their home.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Foreign Office tells Brits 'stay away from big groups' warning ahead of June 1The Foreign Office has updated its travel warning to Brits heading to popular African nation
Read more »
Foreign Office Turkey travel guidance after deaths of UK holidaymakersThe FCDO regularly updates its Turkey travel advice - here's the latest guidance and what it means for British holidaymakers, including key safety warnings to look out for
Read more »
Cruise ship virus outbreak leaves three dead as Brit fights for life in South AfricaHantavirus is most commonly contracted through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rodents
Read more »
Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Leaves Three Dead, Briton in Critical ConditionA deadly hantavirus outbreak has occurred on the MV Hondius cruise ship, resulting in three confirmed fatalities and a British passenger fighting for his life. The ship is traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde, and health authorities are working to contain the virus.
Read more »
Three passengers dead and one fighting for life after virus outbreak on cruise shipOfficials say three people have lost their lives following a Hantavirus outbreak
Read more »
Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: Three Dead, British National in Critical ConditionA deadly hantavirus outbreak has struck the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic, resulting in three confirmed deaths, including a Dutch couple, and leaving a British man fighting for his life in intensive care. The World Health Organisation is investigating six suspected cases and coordinating an international public health response.
Read more »