Hantavirus cruise ship - key events from the MV Hondius outbreak so far
How many people have died on the Hantavirus cruise ship MV Hondius? And where is the boat docked right now? Here's everything you need to know and the latest updates.
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A cruise ship with a confirmed Hantavirus outbreak has so far seen a number of passengers die along with many more fall fatally ill.
The surge of the virus, which causes symptoms including fever, headaches and muscle pain, was reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and they're currently undergoing an investigation on board the boat and within the current cases.
The MV Hondius cruise ship, which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde, is currently at sea with the local Canary Islands refusing to let them dock in fear of spreading the virus any further.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson told LBC: "We are closely monitoring reports of a potential hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius and stand ready to support British nationals if needed.
"We are in touch with the cruise company and local authorities."
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Here's are all the key events from the Hantavirus cruise ship including who has been able to leave the ship, how many have sadly died so far and where it is now as the Canary Islands refuse to let it dock.
How many people have died on the Hantavirus cruise ship?
As of May 6th, a total of three passengers on board the cruise have sadly died.
A German citizen was confirmed dead on May 2nd after contracting the virus on board bringing the death total up to three.
On April 11th a Dutch man had died while on board. His body and his wife disembarked at the St Helena stop on April 24th. On her return journey, his wife also fell ill and died. It was confirmed she had contracted hantavirus.
In total, eight people have caught the disease with five of them currently battling symptoms. On 27th April, a British national became seriously ill and was taken to an intensive care unit in Johannesburg, South Africa. He's now in a stable but critical condition.
On May 6th, three more unwell passengers were evacuated from the ship and are on their way to the Netherlands for treatment.
It's reported everyone remaining on the boat is showing no symptoms of hantavirus.
Where is the contaminated Hantavirus cruise ship now?
Currently off the coast of Cape Verde, arrangements are being made between the Spanish health minister and the Canary Island president about where the boat can dock.
Spanish minister Monica Garcia has said the cruise will make its way to the Canary Islands soon to disembark the remaining passengers and get them home safely.
The Spanish health minister said all necessary safety measures would be taken to ensure safety for the local population as well as health workers.
However, the Canary Islands president has denied the cruise access to dock. He said: "This decision is not based on any technical criteria, nor is there sufficient information to reassure the public or guarantee their safety.
"I cannot allow it to enter the Canary Islands."
What is hantavirus and how is it spread?
Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents such as mice and rats. Humans can contract it via exposure from their droppings, saliva and urine.
One strain of this virus, known as Andes, can be contracted through very close contact with humans who carry the disease. This strain has been confirmed on the cruise after a French man tested positive for the virus through close contact with a boat passenger on a plane.
Symptoms including fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal issues are all common. The Andes strain can also cause respiratory issues.
Experts say the risk of infection is very low globally.
What was the journey of the hantavirus cruise ship?
The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia in South Argentina to embark on their cruise, which focused on bird and whale watching, through the Atlantic Ocean. On board there were 149 passengers.
The Andes strain of the virus is mostly found in Argentina and Chile.
The boat was due to finish at Cape Verde on May 3rd.