Cruise Ship Battles Hantavirus Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed two cases of hantavirus and five suspected cases among passengers and crew on the MV Hondius cruise ship, currently anchored near Cape Verde, as of May 5, 2026. Three individuals have died, one is critically ill, and three exhibit mild symptoms among the seven affected. The vessel, carrying 147 passengers and crew, primarily British, American, and Spanish nationals, departed Argentina in March and is now off the coast of West Africa.

The three fatalities include a Dutch couple and a German national. A British national was medically evacuated from the ship at Ascension and is receiving treatment in South Africa, where hantavirus infection has been confirmed. The WHO has initiated contact tracing for passengers on a flight taken by the deceased Dutch woman between Saint Helena and Johannesburg.

Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship's operator, reported a calm atmosphere onboard and is coordinating with Spanish authorities for the ship to dock in the Canary Islands. This will facilitate a full epidemiological investigation, disinfection, and risk assessment for the remaining passengers. Dutch authorities are preparing for the medical evacuation of two symptomatic individuals and one associated person.