A British national is among three passengers who have been medically evacuated from a cruise ship off the coast of Cape Verde after reportedly displaying symptoms consistent with hantavirus. The MV Hondius, a polar expedition vessel, was in port when the decision was made to transfer the individuals to the Netherlands for specialised medical attention.
The three evacuees, whose identities have not been released, were airlifted from the ship. While the specific nature of their symptoms has not been detailed, the suspicion of hantavirus has prompted a cautious response from medical authorities. Hantavirus is a rare viral infection that can be spread to humans through contact with the urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rodents, or by inhaling airborne particles from these sources. It is not typically transmitted from person to person.
Following the evacuations, the MV Hondius has departed from Cape Verde. The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is designed for voyages to remote polar regions. Details regarding the health status of the remaining passengers and crew, or whether any additional precautions have been implemented on board, have not been publicly disclosed.
Hantavirus infections can range in severity, with symptoms typically appearing one to five weeks after exposure. Initial symptoms often resemble the flu, including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and dizziness. In more severe cases, it can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a potentially life-threatening respiratory illness, or haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which affects the kidneys. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), hantavirus infections are extremely rare in the UK, with only a handful of cases reported over the past few decades, usually associated with travel to endemic areas.
For UK residents, the risk of contracting hantavirus remains very low. The NHS advises that anyone experiencing symptoms after potential exposure to rodents, especially while travelling abroad, should seek medical advice. It is crucial to consult a GP or call NHS 111 for guidance, rather than attempting to self-diagnose or self-treat.