Arabic version: سفينة سياحية محجوبة عن الرسو بسبب تفشي فيروس هانتا

The MV Hondius, a luxury cruise ship, remains stranded off the coast of Cape Verde following a suspected hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three deaths and left several others seriously ill. Authorities have blocked the ship from docking to safeguard public health.

According to The Guardian, the World Health Organization (WHO) is currently investigating the situation, which has affected nearly 150 passengers from 23 different countries. The outbreak has raised significant concerns among those onboard, with passengers expressing fears regarding their safety and uncertainty about their future.

The cruise ship operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, reported that the first death occurred on April 11, involving a Dutch national. Subsequently, two other passengers, including a married couple from the Netherlands and a German national, also succumbed to illness believed to be linked to the virus. A 69-year-old British tourist has been evacuated to South Africa and is currently in critical but stable condition in intensive care.

Health officials in Cape Verde have opted not to allow the MV Hondius to dock, instead coordinating with authorities in the Netherlands and the UK to manage the situation. Oceanwide Expeditions is exploring options to sail the vessel to the Canary Islands for further medical assessment.

The WHO has stated that the risk to the general public remains low and has confirmed one laboratory case of hantavirus infection, with five additional suspected cases. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and the potential for further spread.