Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius Cruise Ship Leads to Multiple Deaths and International Monitoring

An outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus aboard the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius has resulted in three deaths and prompted international health monitoring efforts. The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, with approximately 150 passengers and crew members on board.

The first fatality occurred on April 11, when a Dutch passenger died on board. His wife was evacuated to Johannesburg, South Africa, where she passed away on April 26. A third passenger, a German national, died on May 2.

As of May 7, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported five confirmed cases and three suspected cases of hantavirus associated with the ship. The confirmed cases include individuals from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

The MV Hondius made stops at several remote locations, including Tristan da Cunha and Saint Helena, before arriving in Praia, Cape Verde, on May 3. The ship is currently en route to Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, where Spanish health authorities have approved its arrival despite initial opposition from local officials.

Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent excreta. However, the Andes strain is known for its potential for human-to-human transmission, particularly in cases of close and prolonged contact.

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the WHO, emphasized that the risk of widespread transmission is low, stating, "This is not COVID, this is not influenza; it spreads very, very differently."

International health agencies are conducting contact tracing and monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to the virus during the cruise. Passengers and crew members are being advised to remain vigilant for symptoms and to seek medical attention if necessary.