Health authorities have confirmed the return of passengers from a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, with individuals traveling back to various countries, including the United States.
The MV Hondius, a vessel operating under the Dutch flag, has seen an outbreak that has led to three fatalities and at least eight illnesses among those onboard as of May 6. A group of 23 passengers disembarked during a stop at Saint Helena on April 23, leaving before full disclosure of health risks.
These travelers hailed from multiple nations, with one returning to Australia, another to Taiwan, several heading back to the Netherlands, and others going to different locations in the United States, as per a report from the New York Post.
A Swiss traveler who left the ship with his wife came back to Switzerland and has since tested positive for the virus. Initially, he was hospitalized in Zurich with a negative result but later confirmed positive.
Authorities emphasize that the virus may remain inactive for up to eight weeks, prompting continued monitoring of those potentially affected. The U.S. passengers among the group are seen as part of a larger contact-tracing initiative, though individual health details have not been specified.
International cooperation is underway for contact tracing, with efforts led by health officials and the ship’s operator. The World Health Organization has stated that the passengers were notified of the outbreak and instructed to monitor their health for symptoms.
Additionally, national health bodies are working with the operator to track and record movements linked to the infected ship. An Oceanwide Expeditions representative mentioned they are currently compiling passenger and crew information related to their travel.
As it stands, the group that disembarked represents the primary individuals who have returned and may have been at risk prior to any health alerts. Other passengers and crew remain aboard the ship, which is currently anchored near Cape Verde and awaiting docking approval in Tenerife.
On Wednesday, three individuals, including a 56-year-old from Britain, a 41-year-old from the Netherlands, and a 65-year-old German, were evacuated for medical assistance. The ship’s doctor was also among those evacuated but has shown signs of recovery.
Officials report that those still on board the vessel are not exhibiting any symptoms at this point. The total number of individuals who may have been exposed includes both the 23 who returned home and others who stayed onboard during the initial outbreak.
The Dutch woman, whose husband died on the ship, disembarked in Saint Helena with “GI symptoms” on April 24. Her condition “deteriorated during a flight to Johannesburg” on April 25. She died on April 26.
Travel via Africa’s busiest airport means *MANY* were potentially exposed. pic.twitter.com/3WRJJgMnvU
— Nick Mark MD (@nickmmark) May 6, 2026
The outbreak began following the ship’s departure from Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20. The first confirmed case was a 70-year-old Dutch passenger who fell ill on April 6 and passed away on April 11.
His wife, who left the ship with him at Saint Helena, later died in Johannesburg while showing symptoms during their flight.
Investigators in Argentina are looking into possible rodent exposure during activities prior to the cruise. The World Health Organization has identified the strain as one with potential for human transmission, capable of a mortality rate reaching 40 percent, although health evaluations indicate low transmission risk.
Ongoing laboratory testing and analysis are expected to provide further insights into the specific strain causing this outbreak.
