A deadly hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in three fatalities, raising concerns about potential human-to-human transmission. The incident occurred while the ship was docked in Cape Verde, carrying 147 individuals, including 88 passengers and 59 crew members.
The World Health Organization (WHO) received reports of the outbreak on May 2, 2026. Since then, seven cases of hantavirus have been identified. This includes two confirmed cases and five suspected cases. The first reported death was a Dutch man, aged 70, who fell ill and died on April 11, 2026.
Another individual, a British man, remains in intensive care after being evacuated from Ascension Island to South Africa on April 27, 2026. Health officials have stated that hantaviruses are primarily spread by rodents. They emphasize that human infections usually occur through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.
Key facts:
- Three passengers have died due to the hantavirus outbreak.
- The ship was carrying a total of 147 individuals.
- Seven cases of hantavirus have been identified onboard.
- The outbreak is being managed through a coordinated international response.
The situation is evolving. Aircraft are en route to Cape Verde to evacuate two people needing urgent medical care. After these evacuations, the ship is expected to sail to Spain’s Canary Islands.
Officials continue to investigate the exact source of the hantavirus infections on the ship. They are conducting laboratory investigations and case isolation as part of their response efforts. Observers note that this rare but severe disease can be deadly if not managed properly.
