The cruise ship MV Hondius is currently anchored near the coast of Cape Verde. Reports indicate that three passengers have lost their lives so far, with two of those cases confirmed to be due to the rare hantavirus.
The Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, managed by Oceanwide Expeditions, set sail from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on March 20 for a multi-week journey that included planned stops at various Atlantic islands.
However, the trip took a serious turn when a passenger in his 70s reportedly became ill and subsequently passed away after showing symptoms such as fever, headache, and diarrhea.
The first confirmed death occurred on April 11, when a Dutch man died. His wife also fell ill and was hospitalized, but unfortunately, she could not be saved. Blood tests later confirmed that she was infected with hantavirus.
What is hantavirus?
According to the CDC, this disease is transmitted to humans through contact with rodents like rats and mice, particularly when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva.
On Saturday, a third passenger died, and the body remains on board, as reported by a source cited by AFP.
In the meantime, a second confirmed case of hantavirus involves a British man who was evacuated to South Africa on April 27. He is currently receiving treatment in isolation in an intensive care unit and is reported to be in critical condition.
No one on board is permitted to leave the ship.
Alongside the confirmed cases, there are additional individuals suspected of being infected. The World Health Organization (WHO) is now looking into whether the virus may have transmitted between people.
The WHO announced in a statement: “As of May 4, 2026, there have been seven reported cases (two confirmed cases of hantavirus in the lab and five suspected cases), which include three fatalities, one patient in critical condition, and three others experiencing mild symptoms.”
The cruise ship, which has 149 passengers on board, is presently anchored near Praia, the capital city of Cape Verde, after being refused entry to the port.
