Three people have died from a hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, anchored off Cape Verde. Seven infections have been confirmed among the 147 passengers and crew on board. The World Health Organization was notified on May 2 about the cluster of severe respiratory illnesses.
The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, for a voyage across the South Atlantic. The itinerary included stops at Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island before anchoring off Cape Verde. The ship carried 88 passengers and 59 crew members from 23 nationalities, according to the WHO statement. Investigators are focusing on the departure from Argentina, where the Andes virus strain can enable limited human-to-human transmission among close contacts, the WHO noted. The extent of passenger contact with local wildlife prior to or during boarding remains undetermined. Hantaviruses, carried by rodents, typically spread through inhalation of contaminated urine, droppings, or saliva. Initial symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues, potentially progressing to severe respiratory illness or kidney problems. In the Americas, hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome can have up to 50 percent mortality. Human-to-human spread is rare, documented mainly with Andes virus during close, prolonged contact early in illness, experts said. Adam Taylor at Lancaster University stated that the specific strain on board is unknown, noting at least 24 species cause human disease. He urged against alarm, as transmission usually requires contact with animal products, not person-to-person. Roger Hewson at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine emphasized that investigations must determine exposure sources—on ship, before boarding, or during excursions—through lab confirmation and sequencing. Precautions are in place to minimize risks on board.
