Suspected hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship kills three

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the South African government have reported a suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship travelling between Argentina and Cape Verde, an archipelago in West Africa.

The virus is believed to have killed three people who had been travelling on the MV Hondius, a vessel operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, including a German national and a married couple from the Netherlands. The virus has been successfully identified in the Dutch woman who died.

A UK national was also confirmed to have the disease on 2 May, and has been transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU) in South Africa.

Three other suspected cases have also been identified – plans are underway to evacuate two crew members, as well as a person associated with the German patient who died, to the Netherlands.

Additionally, the virus’s long incubation period – between one and eight weeks – could mean that further cases emerge in the near future.

The WHO stated that an investigation into the outbreak is currently underway. As of Sunday night, the vessel has been located near the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde.

Hantavirus is an uncommon disease typically caught through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rodents, but is more rarely spread between people. There is no specific treatment or cure, but early medical attention can increase the potential for survival.

The virus primarily affects the lungs and kidneys – early symptoms are flu-like, progressing to more severe issues such as breathing difficulties and chest tightness as the lungs fill with fluid.

Passengers on the Celebrity Cruises ship Celebrity Eclipse suffered gastrointestinal issues during a cruise in December 2025.