Stranded at Sea

A rare hantavirus outbreak at sea has killed three and sickened four others. 

Oceanwide Expeditions vessel MV Hondius departed Argentina last month to voyage across the Atlantic. Saturday, the WHO was made aware of seven passengers with suspected hantavirus—a severe respiratory illness caused by exposure to infected rodents. Two cases have been laboratory-confirmed.

One passenger has recovered; another is in intensive care ashore. Two symptomatic crew members remain on board. While they await evacuation, the ship (and its ~150 passengers) is anchored off the coast of West Africa’s Cape Verde, prohibited from docking.

Hantavirus is relatively uncommon and rarely transmitted human-to-human. However, the South American Andes strain is known to have limited human-to-human transmission, a possibility the WHO is assuming “as a precaution” while maintaining that the “risk to the general public is low.”

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
As believers, we pray for the families of those who died, for all on board awaiting evacuation, and for public health officials working to contain the outbreak. And ultimately, we remember the LORD’s promise to be with his people in troubling and uncertain times all the way into eternity. 

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.” 
Isaiah 41:10 (CSB) (read full passage)