A cruise ship traveling across the Atlantic Ocean is dealing with a serious medical situation involving Hantavirus, a deadly virus spread by rodents.
Dutch cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed Monday that the MV Hondius is managing the health crisis. The vessel is currently on a route from Argentina to Cape Verde.
According to reports from France 24, the virus has been linked to recent deaths on board the ship. The outbreak has raised immediate alarms due to the potentially fatal nature of the disease.
Risks and transmission
Hantavirus circulates in rodent populations and can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or their waste. There is currently no specific cure for the virus.
In an interview with France 24's Sharon Gaffney, Nicolas Locker, a Professor of Virology at the Pirbright Institute, discussed the characteristics of the virus. The outlet reported that the disease can be deadly once transmitted to humans.
While the specific number of casualties on the MV Hondius has not been officially released, the operator has described the situation on board as "a serious medical situation."
