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- Trapped cruise ship passenger shares update on cleanliness of ship amid deadly hantavirus outbreak (foxnews.com)
A passenger aboard the M/V Hondius cruise ship has provided an update amid a hantavirus outbreak that has left travelers and crew members concerned.
Jake Rosmarin, a travel blogger from Boston, is currently on the Dutch expedition vessel, which embarked on a polar journey from Argentina to Antarctica and several remote South Atlantic islands. The outbreak began during the voyage, leading to several illnesses and fatalities.
In an emotional Instagram video posted Monday, Rosmarin expressed the passengers’ desire for safety, clarity, and a way to return home. He later shared an updated statement with Fox News Digital, noting that aside from two known ill passengers, the rest of those onboard are in good health and spirits. “We are hopeful that this situation will be resolved soon,” he said.
Rosmarin commended the crew of Oceanwide Expeditions for their efforts to keep everyone safe, informed, and comfortable throughout the ordeal. He emphasized that the M/V Hondius is an expedition vessel rather than a typical cruise ship, operating under strict cleanliness and biosecurity protocols due to the sensitive and remote environments it visits.
He outlined the safety measures on board, which include social distancing, mask-wearing, optional meal delivery to cabins, limited indoor gatherings, and access to fresh air on the outer decks. Additional medical supplies have also been brought on board to care for those affected.
The ship departed Argentina on April 1. The first case and death were reported on April 11, and the ship reached Saint Helena on April 22 with the first deceased passenger still aboard.
Hantaviruses are primarily spread by rodents and can cause serious respiratory or kidney illnesses in humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed seven cases-two confirmed and five suspected-and three deaths among passengers. Two crew members are currently ill, and one passenger was evacuated to intensive care in South Africa.
WHO continues to investigate the outbreak as the ship remains near Cape Verde. While human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is rare, there may be limited spread among close contacts, such as spouses or cabin mates, according to Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness.
The cruise company has been contacted for comment as this developing situation continues to unfold.