Source India Today
A suspected outbreak of Hantavirus has claimed the lives of three passengers aboard a polar expedition cruise ship operating near Cape Verde, raising alarm among health authorities and maritime officials.
According to preliminary reports, several passengers began experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and respiratory distress, during the voyage. Medical staff on board initially treated the cases as routine illness, but the condition of three individuals deteriorated rapidly, leading to their deaths within a short span of time.
Health experts suspect hantavirus infection, a rare but potentially fatal disease typically transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. While human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon, authorities are not ruling out any possibilities until laboratory confirmation is obtained.
The cruise ship, which was on a polar exploration journey, has since been directed to halt further travel as a precautionary measure. All passengers and crew members are undergoing medical evaluation, and those showing symptoms have been isolated onboard to prevent further spread.
Officials from international health agencies are coordinating with local authorities in Cape Verde to investigate the situation. Samples have been sent to specialized laboratories for confirmation of the virus.
Hantavirus infections are considered rare, but they can lead to severe respiratory illness known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which has a high mortality rate if not treated promptly. The outbreak has prompted renewed concerns over health safety protocols on cruise ships, especially those traveling in remote or extreme environments.
Authorities have urged vigilance and advised anyone experiencing symptoms after recent travel to seek immediate medical attention. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.
