Three Dead in Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Off Cape Verde

National now in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa, and are investigating five others, including three seriously ill individuals and two crew members with acute respiratory symptoms—one mild and one severe. Cape Verde authorities blocked the ship from docking to safeguard public health, leaving 149 passengers and crew from 23 countries isolated onboard.

Medics are coordinating the evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, facilitated by the World Health Organization, which is also conducting a full public health risk assessment.

Travel vlogger Jake Rosmarin, aboard the vessel, described the atmosphere as one of uncertainty. "All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity," Rosmarin said. Hantavirus naturally infects rodents and occasionally spreads to humans, with no specific cure available, though early treatment improves outcomes.

The virus has two main forms: one that attacks the lungs and carries a 35% fatality rate, and another that causes hemorrhagic fever. Transmission to humans typically occurs via inhalation of contaminated particles, and while human-to-human spread is rare, it has been documented in isolated cases.

Experts note that rodents hitching rides on ships is not uncommon, and infection could have occurred during the ship's last port call in Argentina.

Charlotte Hammer, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, outlined possible sources: "People having been infected when the ship last made port in Argentina is another possibility. " The outbreak emerged late Sunday, prompting the World Health Organization to investigate alongside health officials.

A separate confirmed hantavirus case in Johannesburg underscores the virus's presence in the region, though officials assess the public risk as low.

In 2025, hantavirus claimed the life of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, highlighting the disease's potential severity. The MV Hondius departed in March carrying explorers drawn to remote Atlantic and Antarctic routes, now facing an unexpected health crisis far from shore. S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement following weekend protests outside Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn. The demonstrations arose during the medical evaluation of Chidozie Wilson Okeke, a Nigerian national who overstayed a 2023 tourist visa and faced prior arrests for assault and drug possession.

Federal agents detained Okeke without an active warrant after he refused to exit his vehicle, attempted to strike them with it, and became physically combative, punching and elbowing officers, according to officials.

Okeke sustained injuries during the arrest and was taken to the hospital, where he remained non-compliant, throwing himself to the floor and screaming before medical staff cleared him. Video footage captured agents dragging him from the facility as a crowd of anti-ICE protesters gathered outside, damaging several federal vehicles and assaulting agents, resulting in minor injuries.

" Six protesters—Sharon Freystaetter, Presleigh Hayashida, Chloe Sells, Tomas Laster, Jennifer Hansen, and Caswell Parker—face charges of disorderly conduct and second-degree obstructing governmental administration; all but Sells also face resisting arrest charges.

Mamdani, speaking to reporters, emphasized New York Police Department independence from federal immigration actions. "I've made it very clear that our laws leave no room for interpretation: our NYPD will not participate in civil immigration enforcement," he said. S.

By February 26, 2024. S. Supreme Court on Monday temporarily restored access to the abortion pill mifepristone, including via mail and telemedicine, pausing a lower court ruling amid an appeal by the manufacturer.

Associate Justice Samuel Alito issued the order, allowing the status quo to hold for at least one week as legal challenges proceed. The decision affects distribution in states like California, where restrictions would otherwise require in-person doctor visits for pharmacy or mail orders. In a separate ruling, the Supreme Court in Louisiana v.

Callais barred racial gerrymandering, affirming a colorblind approach to redistricting. United Airlines Flight 169 struck a bakery truck and a light pole during its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday, injuring the truck driver on the New Jersey Turnpike and damaging the aircraft.

Officials confirmed the incident occurred as the plane flew unusually low over the highway. No further injuries were reported among passengers or crew.