BBC Breakfast issued a breaking news alert as presenter Ben Thompson shared a worrying death announcement with viewers. Just minutes into the show on May 4th, Ben announced: “Three people have died on a cruise ship to Cape Verde in a suspected hantavirus outbreak. “It is an illness usually transmitted to humans from rodents. Officials say several patients have been taken to South Africa for treatment, including a 69-year-old British national, who is in intensive care.”
The report then confirmed that the MV Hondius started its journey from Argentina two weeks ago, and the first person to fall ill was a 70-year-old Dutch man, who died on board. His wife fell ill on the airport on the way home, and later died in hospital.
The MV Hondius saw three passengers die and three fall ill (Image: BBC)
WHO issued a statement to confirm that three people had died, and three people had fallen ill, adding: “WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.
“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.”
The ship is operated by the Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions, with a statement being released on Sunday evening, confirming that two crew members onboard require urgent medical care and the third fatality was still onboard the ship.
The statement continued: “The priority of Oceanwide Expeditions is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals onboard receive adequate and expedited medical care,” a spokesperson said.
“Disembarkation and medical screening of all guests require coordination with local health authorities, and we are in close consultation with them.”
