Hantavirus Outbreak on Expedition Cruise Ship MV Hondius: Three Deaths, Vessel Anchored off Cape Verde

Hantavirus Outbreak on Expedition Cruise Ship MV Hondius: Three Deaths, Vessel Anchored off Cape Verde

The Dutch expedition cruise ship MV Hondius is anchored off the coast of Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean, where an outbreak of hantavirus has occurred onboard. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seven cases have been identified among 147–150 people (passengers and crew): two laboratory-confirmed and five suspected. Three passengers have died, and one remains in critical condition.

The vessel was en route from Ushuaia (Argentina), via Antarctica and the South Atlantic islands, toward the Canary Islands. Symptoms among affected individuals emerged between 6 and 28 April. Cape Verde denied docking and disembarkation due to insufficient public health resources to manage a potential epidemic. National authorities have imposed quarantine measures.

The WHO is coordinating the international response. A possible relocation of the ship to the Canary Islands (Spain) is under consideration, where medical screening, isolation, and continued monitoring would be conducted. Spanish authorities have reinforced sanitary controls at ports. Some passengers have already been evacuated by air for treatment.

Hantavirus infection is rare and typically transmitted from rodents. No specific antiviral treatment exists; care remains supportive. In this case, experts are investigating the possibility of limited human-to-human transmission—a feature atypical for hantaviruses. The risk to the general population outside the vessel is assessed as low.

Passengers and crew include nationals from over 20 countries, including the UK, USA, Spain, and other European nations. Oceanwide Expeditions, the vessel’s operator, reports that strict isolation, hygiene, and medical monitoring protocols are in place. Passengers are advised to remain in their cabins.

Epidemiologists continue investigating the source(s) of infection and risks of further spread. The situation remains under coordinated oversight by international health organizations.