Jake Rosmarin is one of nearly 150 passengers currently stuck onboard the MV Hondius off the coast of Cape Verde.
The cruise ship has been dubbed as the ‘plague ship’ due to the deadly suspected hantavirus outbreak.
As of today (5 May), seven people have been reported ill and three have died with two of the total cases confirmed as hantavirus.
And the travel influencer on board wants people to remember there are ‘real people’ behind the coverage as he and his fellow passengers are confined to their cabins.
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Hantavirus infections are typically spread by infected rodents’ urine, faeces or saliva but, while it is rare, it can be spread between people.
Rosmarin has found reassurance in there being a ‘plan in place’ as the World Health Organisation (WHO) says ‘disinfection and other public health measures’ are being carried out on the cruise ship.
The US influencer previously confirmed he was onboard the ship on Instagram before saying: “We’re not just a story, we’re not just headlines. We’re people with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home. There’s a lot of uncertainty and that’s the hardest part. All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home."
Rosmarin added: "So if you are seeing coverage about this, just remember there are real people behind it and this isn't something happening far away. It is happening to us right now.
"I'll share more when I can but for now I ask for your kindness and understanding."
And in an update today, he posted a selfie from what appears to be his cabin balcony on Instagram Stories as he wrote: “I’m feeling well, getting some fresh air, and continuing to be well fed and taken care of by the crew onboard.”
Rosmarin said he was trying to ‘focus on the positive, think about the good things’ while keeping a smile on his face.
In an Instagram post, he praised the crew onboard as he added: “There’s still some uncertainty, but it’s reassuring to know there is a plan in place, and I hope to be able to share more updates soon.”
Rosmarin signed off: “For now, just taking things one step at a time, we will be okay.”
Experts have suggested there could be a ‘mixture’ of transmission of the virus as health leaders investigate the source.
There is no specific treatment or cure for hantavirus infections but patients have a better chance of survival if they receive medical attention early.
Two patients on board the ship are said to be being prepared for medical evacuation for treatment while one patient is in intensive care and understood to be ‘improving’.
It has been assured that the risk to the global public remains low.
Topics: Cruise Ship, Travel, Health
Jess Battison