Three Dead After Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Near Cape Verde

Three passengers have died and several others remain in critical condition following a suspected Hantavirus outbreak aboard an Oceanwide Expeditions cruise vessel currently anchored near the Cape Verde islands. The ship, which departed from Argentina, has been denied port clearance for more than twenty-four hours as passengers receive medical care and authorities investigate the source of the illness.

Company officials and health authorities confirmed that the fatalities include a Dutch couple, aged seventy and sixty-nine, who passed away after being evacuated from the vessel. A second Dutch national died while still on board, and a sixty-nine-year-old British passenger has been admitted to an intensive care unit in Johannesburg. Two crew members are also reported to be ill and require urgent medical attention.

Health officials are working to identify the origin of the suspected virus and have implemented containment protocols on the ship. The vessel remains stranded offshore while local authorities determine when it will be permitted to dock. Medical teams are coordinating with international agencies to ensure that all affected passengers and crew receive appropriate treatment.

The cruise operator stated that it is cooperating fully with health authorities and providing updates to the families of those on board. Further details regarding the timeline for port entry and the ongoing medical response are expected as the investigation continues.