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Three fatalities reported on MV Hondius
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed one case and identified five suspected cases of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise ship currently anchored near Praia, Cape Verde. Three passengers have died, all Dutch nationals, according to officials and the ship's operator, Oceanwide Expeditions.
Timeline of the outbreak
The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on 20 March and arrived in Cape Verde on 4 May. The vessel, designed for polar expeditions, carries up to 170 passengers in 80 cabins, along with 57 crew members, 13 guides, and one onboard doctor.
A 70-year-old Dutch man fell ill during the voyage, developing fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. He died upon arrival at St Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic. His 69-year-old partner was evacuated to South Africa but later died in a Johannesburg hospital.
A third Dutch passenger also succumbed to the illness. Oceanwide Expeditions stated efforts are underway to repatriate the deceased's body, along with a companion described as "closely associated" with them.
Medical response and restrictions
Two crew members require urgent medical attention, but Cape Verdean authorities have not permitted them to disembark for hospital treatment. Oceanwide Expeditions said in a statement that all disembarkations and medical screenings depend on coordination with local health officials.
"Disembarkation and medical screening of all guests require coordination with local health authorities, and we are in close consultation with them."
Oceanwide Expeditions
Hantavirus transmission and risks
Hantavirus is typically spread to humans through contact with rodent feces, saliva, or urine. While rare, person-to-person transmission can occur. Symptoms, which may appear between one and eight weeks after exposure, include severe respiratory illness.
Microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles told the BBC that the incubation period raises concerns about additional cases emerging in the coming weeks. "With this incubation period, are we going to see more people coming down with the disease in the next days and weeks?" she said.
International response
A 69-year-old UK national is in intensive care in Johannesburg after contracting the virus, South African health ministry spokesperson Foster Mohale confirmed. The UK Foreign Office stated it is monitoring the situation and prepared to assist British nationals.
Hantavirus gained public attention last year when the wife of actor Gene Hackman died from a respiratory illness linked to the virus in March 2025.
Passenger and crew details
The ship was carrying approximately 150 tourists from various countries, according to Mohale. Oceanwide Expeditions has not released further details about the nationalities of those affected.
