A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has triggered international health concerns after three passengers died and several others fell ill while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel, which departed from Ushuaia in Argentina and was heading toward Cape Verde, is now under close monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO) and regional health authorities.
According to WHO updates, at least seven confirmed or suspected cases have been identified on board. Two cases have been laboratory confirmed, while five others remain under investigation. The outbreak has already led to three deaths, including a Dutch couple and a German passenger, while another patient remains in intensive care in South Africa.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses primarily carried by rodents and transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Infection can also occur when contaminated particles become airborne and are inhaled. In rare cases, some strains — particularly the Andes variant found in parts of South America — may spread between humans through very close contact.
Health experts are investigating whether the current outbreak aboard the ship may involve the Andes strain, as authorities reported no evidence of rodents on the vessel itself. WHO officials said limited human-to-human transmission among close cabin contacts is being examined.
Severe Respiratory Risks
One of the most dangerous illnesses linked to hantavirus is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease that often begins with fatigue, fever, muscle pain, headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal discomfort before progressing to breathing difficulties. Once respiratory symptoms develop, mortality rates can reach nearly 38%.
Another form of the disease, Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), mainly affects the kidneys and can lead to life-threatening complications.
There is currently no specific cure for hantavirus infection. Treatment usually focuses on supportive medical care, including oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, antiviral medications in some cases, and kidney dialysis for severe renal complications.
Ship Held Offshore as Investigations Continue
The Dutch-operated expedition ship remains near Cape Verde while authorities coordinate medical evacuations and testing procedures. Reports indicate that passengers have largely been confined to their cabins as sanitation and containment protocols continue on board.
WHO stated that the overall public risk remains low, but international health teams are continuing epidemiological investigations and virus sequencing to better understand how the outbreak began and whether human-to-human transmission occurred.
The incident has also renewed public attention on hantavirus following the 2025 death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, who reportedly died from a respiratory illness linked to the virus after rodent nests and dead rodents were discovered near her home.
For the diving and maritime tourism industry, the outbreak highlights the growing importance of onboard health monitoring and emergency response preparedness, particularly during remote expedition voyages operating far from major medical facilities.
Update 06 May 2026
New developments emerged as Spain agreed to receive the MV Hondius in the Canary Islands following a coordinated request from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union. Spanish health authorities confirmed that the ship’s doctor, who is reported to be in serious condition, will be evacuated aboard a specialized medical aircraft for urgent treatment. Officials stated that the Canary Islands were selected because Cape Verde lacks the medical capacity required to manage an outbreak of this scale. According to WHO data, 147 passengers and crew members remain on board, while strict health protocols are being prepared in coordination with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to prevent any contact with the local population once the vessel arrives.
Heba Refaee
Operations and Marketing Manager at Diventures, holds an advanced diver certification and writes outstanding articles for both the website and digital publications. She contributes to every step of the process with her creativity and organizational skills.
