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A tragic outbreak suspected to be caused by the hantavirus has struck a cruise ship navigating the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and leaving several others ill, according to a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) shared on the platform X.
The WHO has confirmed that laboratory tests have verified one case of hantavirus infection, with an additional five cases currently under investigation. Out of these six cases, three individuals have tragically passed away, and one person is receiving intensive care treatment in South Africa.
Efforts are underway by the WHO, in collaboration with government entities and the cruise line, to facilitate the medical evacuation of two passengers showing symptoms. Meanwhile, they continue to evaluate the potential public health risk posed to those who remain on the ship.
“We are conducting detailed investigations, which include further laboratory analysis and epidemiological assessments,” the WHO stated. “Passengers and crew are receiving necessary medical care and support, and virus sequencing is in progress.”
Currently, the cruise ship MV Hondius is anchored off the coast near the port of Praia in Cape Verde as of May 3, 2026. The outbreak of severe acute respiratory illness on board has claimed two lives, and one individual is in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa, following a positive test result for hantavirus, as confirmed by South African health authorities.
The outbreak is linked to the m/v Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.
Oceanwide Expeditions, which operates the vessel, confirmed that three passengers died during the voyage and that one passenger is being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg.
Two crew members on board also require urgent medical care, the company said.
The cruise ship MV Hondius is stationary off the port of Praia, Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026, amid an outbreak of severe acute respiratory illness that has caused two deaths and left a third patient in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. The patient tested positive for hantavirus, according to South African health officials. (AFP via Getty Images)
As of late Sunday, authorities in Cape Verde had not authorized the disembarkation of passengers requiring medical treatment or broader medical screening, according to the company.
Local health officials have boarded the vessel to assess the situation but have not yet approved the transfer of symptomatic individuals to facilities on land.
“The priority of Oceanwide Expeditions is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive adequate and expedited medical care,” the company said.
A 3D illustration shows the structure of hantavirus, an RNA virus transmitted to humans through rodent excreta that can cause severe illnesses including hemorrhagic fever, renal disease, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. (iStock)
Dutch authorities are working to coordinate the repatriation of those affected from Cape Verde to the Netherlands, though the effort depends on approval from local officials, Oceanwide Expeditions said.Â
Hantavirus infections are typically linked to exposure to infected rodents’ urine or feces and can lead to severe respiratory illness.
“While rare, hantavirus may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response,” WHO said.
There is no specific cure for the virus, though early treatment can improve survival.
WHO said it has notified global health authorities under international regulations and is continuing to support the response.
“We are currently establishing the full facts and working on appropriate medical care, screening, and next steps,” Oceanwide Expeditions said.