Second Brit needs 'urgent care' after 'hantavirus outbreak' on MV Hondius cruise ship

A Brit is among two crew members requiring urgent medical care on board a cruise ship at the centre of a suspected hantavirus outbreak. Three people have died and a British man is fighting for his life after falling ill on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is currently stationed off the coast of Cape Verde with passengers still awaiting permission to disembark. Deadly hantavirus is contracted by inhaling infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva, and is the same disease that killed Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa in February last year. Cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions revealed in an update this afternoon that there are 23 brits on board the MV Hondius, including 19 passengers and four crew members. One of the two crew members requiring urgent medical care is British, it added. "There are currently two crew members on board with acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe," the operator said in a statement. "Both require urgent medical care. These crew members are of British and Dutch nationality. At this time, no other persons with symptoms have been identified." The vessel remains off the coast of Cape Verde and passengers won't be able to disembark unless authorised by local health authorities. Oceanwide Expeditions said the medical transfer of the two ill persons on board has not yet taken place despite local health authorities having already visited the vessel where they "assessed the situation". The three deceased individuals include a Dutch couple, aged 69 and 70, and a German national. The confirmed case of hantavirus is that of the British man, aged 69, who is "currently being treated in the intensive care unit in Johannesburg and is in a critical but stable condition," Oceanwide said. The company added: "Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The option of sailing on to Las Palmas or Tenerife are being considered to be the gateway for disembarkation, where further medical screening and handling could take place. "Strict precautionary measures are in process on board, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring. All passengers have been informed and are being supported. "Oceanwide Expeditions is in close contact with those directly involved and their families, and is providing support where possible."