Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Results in Three Deaths

A suspected outbreak of hantavirus aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius has resulted in three deaths and several illnesses among passengers and crew. The vessel, carrying 147 individuals from 23 nationalities, is currently moored off the coast of Cape Verde.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that, as of May 4, 2026, seven cases have been identified: two laboratory-confirmed cases of hantavirus and five suspected cases. Among these, three individuals have died, one is critically ill, and three are experiencing mild symptoms. The onset of illnesses occurred between April 6 and April 28, 2026, with symptoms including fever, gastrointestinal issues, and rapid progression to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, for a voyage across the South Atlantic, including stops in Antarctica, South Georgia, and several remote islands. The extent of passenger contact with local wildlife during the voyage remains under investigation.

Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. While human-to-human transmission is rare, certain strains, such as the Andes virus, have been known to spread between people. The WHO is conducting in-depth investigations, including case isolation, medical evacuation, and laboratory analyses, to determine the source and extent of the outbreak.

The WHO currently assesses the risk to the global population from this event as low but continues to monitor the situation closely.