Health authorities across Africa are closely monitoring a rare hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde with passengers and crew from 23 different nationalities on board.
The ship, carrying 88 passengers and 61 crew members, was denied disembarkation in Cape Verde after reports of an infectious outbreak emerged following stops at South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, and St Helena.
According to global health reports, passengers on the ship developed symptoms including fever, gastrointestinal complications, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Authorities later confirmed eight cases linked to the outbreak, including six confirmed infections and three deaths. Several affected individuals are currently receiving treatment in hospitals across South Africa, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
A passenger aboard the vessel, James Rosmarin, shared an emotional message online, describing the uncertainty and fear experienced by those on board as they hoped for safety and a return home.
African health agencies have continued surveillance efforts amid concerns over rodent-borne diseases across the continent.
In Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) stated that no hantavirus case has been recorded in the country. The agency added that surveillance and monitoring efforts have been intensified while assuring Nigerians that the risk to the general public remains low.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also stated that there was no evidence of transmission within Africa, stressing that the outbreak currently appears confined to the cruise ship.
Health experts have advised Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, noting that hantavirus is mainly spread through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their urine, saliva, or droppings.
Experts warned that poor environmental sanitation, improper waste disposal, and close human contact with rodents could increase the risk of infection.
They urged residents to maintain clean surroundings, properly store food items, disinfect areas contaminated by rodents, avoid direct contact with rodent waste, and seek medical attention early if symptoms such as fever or breathing difficulties develop after possible exposure.
Public health specialists also emphasised the importance of strengthening disease surveillance, improving laboratory capacity, and enhancing collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health agencies to prevent future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.
Post comments (0)