Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Leads to Three Deaths; WHO Investigates Possible Human-to-Human Transmission

A suspected outbreak of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and several illnesses among passengers and crew. The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating the possibility of human-to-human transmission of the virus in this context.

The MV Hondius, carrying approximately 150 individuals, is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde. 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 symptoms occurred between April 6 and April 28, 2026, and included fever, gastrointestinal issues, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock.

The WHO is coordinating an international response, which includes in-depth investigations, case isolation and care, medical evacuation, and laboratory analyses. Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. While human-to-human transmission is rare, it has been reported in previous outbreaks involving the Andes virus variant.

The ship's operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, reported that two crew members—one British and one Dutch—are exhibiting acute respiratory symptoms and require urgent medical care. Plans are underway to evacuate these individuals to the Netherlands for treatment. The ship is considering docking in the Canary Islands, either Gran Canaria or Tenerife, following the evacuation.

The WHO is collaborating with Spanish authorities to facilitate the ship's arrival in the Canary Islands. Spain has agreed to receive the vessel on humanitarian grounds, pending further epidemiological data. Passengers and crew are adhering to strict isolation and hygiene protocols, and contact tracing is ongoing to identify individuals who may have been exposed during the voyage.

The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, and made stops at several remote locations, including mainland Antarctica and the Atlantic islands of Tristan da Cunha and St. Helena. The WHO is assessing the extent of passenger contact with local wildlife during the voyage to determine potential sources of infection.

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical adviser, stated that the working assumption is that the initial cases were infected on the boat. She noted that some individuals on the ship were couples sharing rooms, which constitutes close contact. The WHO is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.