HANTAVIRUS – THE LITTLE-KNOWN virus spread by rodents that tragically caused the death of actor Gene Hackman’s wife last year is in the news again.

Two Irish people are confirmed to be on a cruise ship in the Atlantic after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on board.

The virus is suspected of killing three people, including a married couple from the Netherlands, and causing a 69-year-old British tourist to be admitted to intensive care in South Africa.

Two further crew members on board the ship are reported to be seriously ill. To date, the Irish passengers on board the ship are reportedly unaffected.

So, what is this virus, and what are the risks? Is it something we need to be concerned about in Ireland?

If, as has been reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), hantavirus is rarely transmitted person-to-person, how have six people on board a cruise ship been suspected of having acquired hantavirus infection?

What is the fate of the remaining passengers and crew on board off the coast of Cape Verde, as the ship has been refused the right to dock in its port?

Logo of shipping company Oceanwide Expeditions. Three people on board the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius of Oceanwide Expeditions have died after falling ill. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The official response from Cape Verde is that it is in contact with authorities in the Netherlands about the Dutch-flagged ship carrying 147 passengers and crew.

“This coordination has enabled a swift and technically appropriate response, ensuring the clinical monitoring of patients and the preparation of all necessary precautionary measures, including a possible medical evacuation by air ambulance for patients under observation,” Cape Verde authorities said.

The MV Hondius left Argentina around three weeks ago before making several stops as it crossed the Atlantic. It came to global attention on Sunday, 3 May, when the WHO said it was involved in a “public health event” on board.

The WHO said that to date, one case of hantavirus has been laboratory confirmed, with five additional suspect cases.........

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