None of the 38 Filipino crew members on the MV Hondius are ill amid a suspected hantavirus outbreak that has killed three passengers, the Philippines' Department of Health confirmed on May 5, 2026. The ship remains in quarantine off Cape Verde with 149 people aboard as investigations continue.
In the ongoing MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak—previously reported with three passenger deaths and failed docking attempts in Cape Verde (see related articles)—Dutch operator Oceanwide Expeditions detailed a 'serious medical situation' on May 4. The vessel, carrying 149 people (87 passengers, 61 crew per operator; WHO reports 147), departed Argentina for Cape Verde.
Recapping key cases: A Dutch man died April 11 of respiratory distress after early symptoms; his wife succumbed April 27 with confirmed hantavirus; a British passenger, evacuated April 24 to South Africa, tested positive May 2; a German woman died May 2 of suspected pneumonia. Two crew (British, Dutch) show respiratory symptoms.
Cape Verde authorities banned disembarkation. WHO's Maria Van Kerkhove noted low public risk on May 5, supporting investigations. A passenger told Reuters: “We’re not just headlines. We’re people with families.”
New today: Philippines DOH Undersecretary Albert Domingo stated no illnesses among Filipino crew: “Wala po silang sakit... so far.” DOH and Quarantine Bureau are monitoring. No hantavirus cases recorded in the Philippines.
