Three Deaths Confirmed in Hantavirus Outbreak Aboard Oceanwide Cruise Ship

Oceanwide Expeditions has confirmed that three people died and additional passengers and crew received medical treatment following a hantavirus outbreak aboard the Hondius during a crossing from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Praia, Cape Verde, the company said in a press release.

The outbreak prompted a coordinated response involving medical organizations, maritime and aviation authorities and national governments, which worked alongside Oceanwide Expeditions to disembark all guests and crew and transfer those requiring urgent medical care from the vessel.

"We worked to safely disembark all guests and crew and transfer those requiring urgent medical care from the vessel at the earliest possible opportunity," said Rémi Bouysset, CEO of Oceanwide Expeditions.

Epidemiological testing indicated the virus did not originate aboard the Hondius but was introduced from a source in South America, the company said.

Oceanwide Expeditions said it took precautionary measures to fully sanitize and assess the vessel before returning it to service for the Arctic season.

The company thanked all organizations involved in the response for their rapid support.