Hantavirus Outbreak: 3 Dead After Suspected Spread on Atlantic Cruise Ship; WHO Reacts

A suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus infection aboard a polar cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has left three people dead and at least three others ill, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and South Africa's Department of Health. The vessel, identified as the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, is currently docked in Praia, Cape Verde, as international health agencies conduct a full risk assessment and coordinate medical evacuations for symptomatic passengers.

While the WHO has laboratory-confirmed at least one case of hantavirus, detailed epidemiological investigations and virus sequencing are ongoing. Currently, one patient remains in intensive care at a Johannesburg hospital, while officials work to evacuate two additional symptomatic crew members from the ship for urgent medical treatment. Most Dangerous Virus In World: From Ebola to Bird Flu, Know About 10 Most Deadly Virus That Can Create Health Emergency.

Timeline of the Hantavirus Outbreak

The outbreak primarily impacted an elderly Dutch couple during the ship’s three-week journey from Argentina. The first victim, a 70-year-old man, died on board the vessel; his body was later removed in the British territory of Saint Helena. His wife, aged 69, fell ill shortly after and was evacuated to South Africa. She tragically collapsed at a South African airport while attempting to board a flight home to the Netherlands and died at a nearby hospital. A third fatality was reported on the ship while it was near Cape Verde.

Medical Response and Contact Tracing

The British national currently in intensive care reportedly fell ill near Ascension Island and was transferred to South Africa for specialised care. In response, South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has initiated contact tracing in the Johannesburg region to identify anyone potentially exposed to the infected passengers.

Detailed Investigations Are Ongoing Says WHO

In a statement, the WHO confirmed its involvement and said, "WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew."

Hantavirus Transmission

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses typically spread through contact with the urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rodents. While most commonly associated with environmental exposure - such as inhaling dust contaminated by rodent waste - the WHO noted that person-to-person transmission, though rare, is possible. The virus gained significant public attention in early 2025 following the death of Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist and the wife of the late actor Gene Hackman. Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in New Mexico in February 2025. Hackman passed away approximately one week later from unrelated heart disease. How Nipah Virus Attacks the Brain and Essential Safety Tips.

The MV Hondius and Next Steps

The MV Hondius, described as a specialist polar class vessel, was carrying approximately 150 tourists and 70 crew members. Its itinerary included stops in Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, with a final destination of Spain's Canary Islands. There is currently no specific cure or vaccine for hantavirus. However, health officials emphasise that early medical intervention is critical for improving survival rates for those suffering from the associated respiratory distress. Decisions are currently being made regarding the isolation of remaining symptomatic individuals before the ship is cleared to continue its voyage.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 04, 2026 07:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).