A deadly suspected outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius has resulted in the loss of three passengers and other reported illnesses. This Dutch-flagged expedition cruise ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, has raised serious concerns following recent events.
On May 3, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that six individuals contracted the virus, including one verified case and five suspected instances. Tragically, three of those affected have died, with one still in intensive care in South Africa.
Details of the Outbreak
The MV Hondius set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20, carrying about 150 passengers alongside 70 crew members. Its journey included stops in Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, before heading across the Atlantic to Cape Verde and Spain’s Canary Islands.
Designed for polar expeditions, the ship measures 107.6 meters and can accommodate up to 170 guests. The first fatality involved a 70-year-old Dutch man who displayed symptoms such as fever and abdominal pain, ultimately dying shortly after arrival at Saint Helena, where his body was taken off the vessel.
Subsequently, his 69-year-old wife, also a Dutch national, fell ill aboard the cruise and was evacuated to South Africa. Unfortunately, she collapsed at an airport and later succumbed to her condition in a Johannesburg hospital.
While details remain scarce, another passenger has also died. Reports indicate that a 69-year-old British man became ill near Ascension Island after leaving Saint Helena. He is currently in a Johannesburg hospital and has tested positive for hantavirus.
Response and Investigations
Two additional passengers have shown symptoms and are being monitored. Specifics about their status or evacuation plans have not yet been disclosed.
The WHO has identified this event as a public health concern and is collaborating with local authorities in South Africa, Cape Verde, and the Netherlands, as well as the ship’s crew members. “WHO is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board,” the agency stated in a report.
As of May 3, the ship has arrived in Praia, Cape Verde, with no new cases reported. The WHO assures that medical assistance is being extended to those still aboard.
WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died… pic.twitter.com/SqMAAZzoID
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 3, 2026
Hantavirus is transmitted through contact with infected rodents, primarily via inhalation of particles from their waste. Although person-to-person transmission is rare, symptoms can escalate quickly, beginning with flu-like signs and potentially leading to severe respiratory or kidney complications.
Care is generally supportive, as there is no specific antiviral remedy. Data shows that the case fatality rate for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can be quite high among those who develop severe symptoms.
Globally, cases of hantavirus remain rare and often connect to specific rodent exposure rather than being part of widespread outbreaks.
