A suspected hantavirus outbreak on board a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three people and sickened several others, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement to X.
The UN health agency said one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, while five suspected cases are still pending. Of the six people affected, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.
WHO said it is working with governments and the ship’s operator to arrange the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers while continuing to assess the public health risk to those still on board.
“Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations,” the WHO said. “Medical care and support is being provided to passengers and crew. Virus sequencing is also underway.”
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The cruise ship MV Hondius is stationary off the port of Praia, Cape Verde on May 3, 2026. An outbreak of severe acute respiratory illness on board the ship has 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 m/v Hondius, a cruise ship under the Dutch flag that sails in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.
Oceanwide Expeditions, which operates the ship, confirmed that three passengers died during the journey and one passenger is being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg.
Two crew members on board also require emergency medical care, the company said.
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The cruise ship MV Hondius is idled off the port of Praia, Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026, amid an outbreak of severe acute respiratory illness that has caused two deaths and left a third patient in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to South African health officials, the patient tested positive for hantavirus. (AFP via Getty Images)
According to the company, authorities in Cape Verde had not cleared the disembarkation of passengers requiring medical treatment or broader medical screening late on Sunday.
Local health officials have boarded the ship to assess the situation but have not yet approved the transfer of symptomatic individuals to land-based facilities.
“Oceanwide Expeditions’ priority is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive adequate and prompt medical care,” the company said.
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A 3D image shows the structure of hantavirus, an RNA virus transmitted to humans through rodent feces that can cause serious illness, including hemorrhagic fever, kidney disease and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. (iStock)
Dutch authorities are working to coordinate the repatriation of those affected from Cape Verde to the Netherlands, although the effort is subject to approval from local officials, Oceanwide Expeditions said.
Hantavirus infections are generally associated with exposure to the urine or feces of infected rodents and can lead to serious respiratory illness.
“Although rare, hantavirus can spread between people and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response,” the WHO said.
There is no specific cure for the virus, although early treatment can improve survival.
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The WHO said it has notified global health authorities under international regulations and continues to support the response.
“We are currently determining the full facts and working on appropriate medical care, screening and next steps,” Oceanwide Expeditions said.
