Dutch officials revealed on Thursday that approximately 40 passengers from a cruise ship affected by a deadly hantavirus outbreak had previously disembarked on the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena after the first passenger died. The revelation comes as authorities work to trace passengers and possible contacts following an outbreak that has left multiple people dead and several others ill.
Earlier Disembarkations During the Voyage
New details have emerged about earlier disembarkations during the voyage. Among those who left the ship during a stop at the British territory was the wife of a Dutch man who died, according to the Dutch foreign ministry, as cited by the Associated Press. The Dutch cruise company that operates the ship had earlier stated that the woman disembarked at St Helena with her husband's body and later flew to South Africa on a commercial flight. She subsequently died after collapsing at an airport in Johannesburg.
However, the company had not previously confirmed that other passengers also left the ship at St Helena. It has now come to light that a man tested positive for hantavirus in Switzerland after he too disembarked at St Helena and flew home, though his exact movements remain unclear.
Current Locations Unknown
Dutch authorities have not disclosed where the other passengers who disembarked are currently located. Separately, a British man was evacuated from the ship to South Africa from Ascension Island a few days later, according to the company. Three other individuals, including the ship's doctor, were also evacuated from the vessel near Cape Verde and taken to Europe for treatment on Wednesday.
So far, three passengers have died in the outbreak, and several others are ill. The situation continues to develop as health officials work to contain the spread of the virus and trace all potential contacts.
