A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has claimed the lives of three passengers during its voyage across the Atlantic.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported one confirmed case and five suspected instances of the virus on the vessel, which was travelling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Cape Verdean capital of Praia.
The deceased include a 70-year-old Dutch man and a 69-year-old Dutch woman. Foster Mohale, a spokesperson for the South African health ministry, reported that the man suffered a sudden onset of fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea before passing away upon arrival at the British territory of St Helena.
The woman died in a Johannesburg hospital after being evacuated from the ship. A third Dutch national has also died, and the tour operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently coordinating the repatriation of the body.
Furthermore, a 69-year-old British national remains in intensive care in Johannesburg after contracting the virus. Oceanwide Expeditions, which operates the 107.6-metre polar cruise ship, confirmed that two crew members also require urgent medical attention.
However, authorities in Cape Verde have not yet granted permission for them to disembark for hospital treatment. The vessel, carrying approximately 150 tourists, is currently anchored outside Praia.
Hantavirus is typically spread to humans via the saliva, urine, or faeces of infected rodents. While human-to-human transmission is rare, the virus can lead to severe respiratory illness.
Microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles noted that the incubation period ranges from one to eight weeks, raising concerns that more cases could emerge in the coming days.
The MV Hondius departed Argentina on 20 March and concluded its journey on 4 May. The UK Foreign Office is monitoring the situation and is ready to support affected British nationals.
This outbreak follows a similar tragedy in March 2025, when the wife of actor Gene Hackman died from a hantavirus-related illness.
