The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that there have been no reports of Ukrainian citizens affected by the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius. This information comes from the Ukrainian embassy in the Netherlands.
According to the Ministry, the embassy in South Africa has stated that local authorities have indicated no Ukrainian nationals are among those confirmed to have contracted the hantavirus. Currently, there are six confirmed cases of the virus, including five Dutch citizens and one British national, with three fatalities reported.
“The Ukrainian diplomats have reached out to the ship’s operator for further details. The Consular Department of the Ministry and foreign diplomatic missions are actively verifying information regarding any potential Ukrainian presence on board the vessel,” the Ministry stated.
Sky News reported that three individuals have died amid concerns of a hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship. The deceased include a German citizen and a Dutch couple. Additionally, three others are ill, including two crew members, a British national, and a Dutch national.
The MV Hondius is currently anchored near Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, with passengers remaining aboard for safety reasons.
The hantavirus is transmitted by rodents and primarily affects the lungs or kidneys. There is currently no cure for the virus.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported no Ukrainian casualties in the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, where three fatalities have been confirmed among other nationalities. Authorities are continuing to investigate the situation and ensure the safety of passengers.