Three passengers have died and two crew members are in urgent need of medical attention following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently anchored off Praia in Praia, where health authorities are coordinating next steps. Despite the medical urgency, the two crew members have not yet been authorized to disembark for hospital treatment, raising concern among those onboard.
The outbreak, confirmed by the World Health Organization, involves one confirmed and five suspected cases of hantavirus—a rare but potentially severe disease typically transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon, but the situation is being closely monitored due to the confined nature of cruise ships.
The voyage began on March 20 in Ushuaia, Argentina, and concluded on May 4 in Cape Verde. The MV Hondius, a 107.6-meter polar expedition vessel, carries around 170 passengers, supported by 57 crew, 13 guides, and a single onboard doctor.
According to officials from South Africa’s health ministry, the first fatalities included a Dutch couple in their late 60s. The male passenger reportedly developed symptoms including fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and died shortly after being evacuated to St Helena. His partner was later transferred to Johannesburg, where she died in hospital. A third Dutch national has also died, with repatriation efforts underway.
The World Health Organization released the following statement:
"We are monitoring and supporting a public health incident aboard a cruise vessel in the Atlantic, with one confirmed hantavirus case and five suspected. Of the six affected, three have died and one remains in intensive care in South Africa.
Investigations, including laboratory testing and epidemiological analysis, are ongoing, while medical care is being provided to passengers and crew.
Hantavirus is typically linked to exposure to infected rodents, though rare person-to-person transmission can occur. The illness can cause severe respiratory complications and requires close monitoring.
WHO is coordinating with authorities and the ship operator on medical evacuations and risk assessment, and has notified member states under international health regulations. A public outbreak notice is expected."
Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that two crew members are currently in need of urgent medical care but remain onboard pending clearance from Cape Verdean health authorities. “Disembarkation and medical screening require coordination with local authorities, and we are in close consultation,” the company said.
Experts warn that the incubation period for hantavirus can range from one to eight weeks, meaning additional cases could still emerge among passengers or crew in the coming days. Microbiologists are urging vigilance, especially given the timeline of the voyage.
