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WHO suspects human-to-human hantavirus spread on cruise ship
The World Health Organization (WHO) is examining possible person-to-person transmission of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius after three passengers died during an Atlantic voyage. The agency stressed such cases are uncommon and public risk remains minimal.
Current situation aboard the MV Hondius
The expedition vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is anchored near Cape Verde off West Africa. Medical teams from Cape Verde and the WHO have boarded to assist with testing and containment efforts. Images from the scene show personnel in protective suits approaching the ship.
Of the 149 people from 23 countries still on board, 20 are British nationals, according to the UK government. All remain under "strict precautionary measures" as authorities conduct health screenings.
Confirmed and suspected cases
Seven hantavirus cases-two confirmed and five suspected-have been identified. The confirmed cases include a Dutch woman who died and a 69-year-old British passenger evacuated to South Africa for treatment. The woman's husband also died, though his case remains unconfirmed, as does that of a German national who passed away on 2 May.
Two crew members, one British and one Dutch, exhibiting acute respiratory symptoms are set to be airlifted to the Netherlands. A person linked to the deceased German passenger will also be evacuated.
"The beautiful journey they experienced together was abruptly and permanently cut short. We are still unable to comprehend that we have lost them. We wish to bring them home and commemorate them in peace and privacy."
Statement from the Dutch couple's family
Transmission and investigation
WHO official Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove said the agency believes "really close contacts" may have transmitted the virus among passengers. She noted the first infected individual likely contracted hantavirus before boarding, possibly from exposure to rodents during the cruise's stops in South America.
Investigators suspect the Andes strain, prevalent in the region where the voyage began. Van Kerkhove confirmed no rats were found on the ship, but disinfection protocols and protective equipment for symptomatic individuals or caregivers are in place.
"Our working hypothesis is that there's probably a couple of different types of transmission that might be happening," she told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday.
Next steps and international response
The WHO reported Spain has approved the ship's potential docking in the Canary Islands for risk assessment and medical monitoring. However, Spain's health ministry downplayed expectations, stating no decision would be made until epidemiological data is reviewed as the vessel passes Cape Verde.
A ministry spokesperson told the BBC no formal request for docking had been received but confirmed Spanish authorities are prepared to provide medical support, testing, and disinfection if needed. It remains unclear whether passengers would be permitted to disembark.
Despite restrictions, one anonymous passenger described the mood on board as "pretty good" but noted uncertainty persists. Travel vlogger Jake Rosmarin echoed this sentiment in a social media post: "There's a lot of uncertainty, and that's the hardest part. All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home."
