A suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius has resulted in three deaths and prompted authorities to block the ship from docking in Cape Verde. The incident occurred on May 3, 2026, while the vessel was sailing in the Atlantic Ocean.
At least one case of hantavirus has been confirmed among the roughly 150 passengers onboard. Tragically, the first victim was a 70-year-old Dutch man who died aboard the ship. His 69-year-old wife collapsed at an airport in South Africa shortly after disembarking and later succumbed to her illness in a hospital.
That context matters because hantavirus infections can lead to serious diseases, such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. These conditions are primarily spread through contact with infected rodents, which raises concerns about rodent transmission aboard cruise vessels.
The outbreak has not only affected passengers but also crew members; two are currently experiencing acute respiratory symptoms and require medical care. Meanwhile, a British national is reported to be in intensive care in Johannesburg after falling ill near Ascension Island.
The cruise ship had departed from Argentina approximately three weeks prior to the outbreak, making it essential for health officials to investigate any potential rodent activity during that time. Investigations are already underway, with both the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities involved.
Key findings from the investigation:
- A total of three people have died due to the outbreak.
- One confirmed case of hantavirus among passengers has been reported.
- Local health authorities have assessed the condition of symptomatic individuals onboard.
- The risk to the wider public remains low according to health officials.
The WHO stated that they are aware of and supporting this public health event involving a cruise vessel. Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations. However, officials have not disclosed the exact cause of death for the first two victims nor confirmed if the crew members’ symptoms are connected to this outbreak.