Suspected hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship in Atlantic kills 3, WHO says
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A suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three people and sickened many others, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement sent to X.
The UN health agency said one case of hantavirus infection had been laboratory confirmed, while five other suspected cases were pending. Three of the six affected people have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.
WHO said it was coordinating with governments and the ship operator to arrange medical evacuation of the two symptomatic passengers, while continuing to assess the public health risk to those still on board.
“Detailed investigations, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological studies, are ongoing,” the World Health Organization said. “Medical care and support is being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing.”
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The cruise ship MV Hondius is stationary off the port of Praia in Cape Verde on May 3, 2026. An outbreak of severe acute respiratory disease on the ship resulted in two deaths and one patient in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to South African health officials, the patient tested positive for hantavirus. (AFP/Getty Images)
The outbreak is linked to the Dutch-flagged passenger ship m/v Hondius, which was sailing in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.
Oceanwide Expeditions, which operates the ship, confirmed that three passengers died during the voyage and one passenger was treated in intensive care in Johannesburg.
The company said two crew members on board also needed urgent medical care.
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The cruise ship MV Hondius was stationary off the port of Praia in Cape Verde on May 3, 2026, amid an outbreak of severe acute respiratory disease in Johannesburg, South Africa, that caused two deaths and left a third patient in intensive care. According to South African health officials, the patient tested positive for hantavirus. (AFP via Getty Images)
Late Sunday, authorities in Cape Verde did not allow passengers requiring medical treatment or more extensive medical screening to disembark, according to the company.
Local health officials have boarded the ship to assess the situation but have not yet approved the transfer of people showing symptoms to facilities on land.
“Oceanwide Expeditions’ priority is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive adequate and expedited medical care,” the company said.
AFTER GENE HACKMAN’S WIFE DIED FROM HANTAVIRUS, IT WAS REPORTED THAT HIS HOUSE WAS FULL OF RODENTS
A 3D illustration shows the structure of hantavirus, an RNA virus that is transmitted to humans through rodent feces and can cause serious illnesses such as hemorrhagic fever, kidney disease and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. (iStock)
Oceanwide Expeditions said Dutch officials were working to coordinate the repatriation of those affected from Cape Verde to the Netherlands, but that effort was subject to approval from local authorities.
Hantavirus infections are typically linked to exposure to the urine or feces of infected rodents and can lead to serious respiratory illness.
“Although rare, hantavirus can spread between humans and cause serious respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and intervention,” the World Health Organization said.
There is no specific treatment for the virus, but early treatment may increase survival.
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WHO said it has notified global health authorities under international regulations and continues to support the response.
“We are currently establishing all the facts and working on appropriate medical care, screening and next steps,” Oceanwide Expeditions said. he said.
