The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed an outbreak of Hantavirus aboard a cruise vessel stranded off Cape Verde, with several passengers infected and multiple fatalities recorded.
In a statement released on May 4, 2026, the WHO said a total of seven cases have been identified, including two laboratory-confirmed infections and five suspected cases. Three of the affected individuals have died.
“As of 4 May 2026, seven cases have been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient and three individuals reporting mild symptoms,” the agency said.
The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, an expedition cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, which was sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, toward Cape Verde. Health officials reported that patients initially developed fever and gastrointestinal symptoms before rapidly deteriorating.
“It was characterised by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock,” the WHO noted, adding that “further investigations are ongoing.”
Authorities are also tracing possible exposures beyond the ship. One of the deceased passengers reportedly fell ill during an April 25 flight between Saint Helena and Johannesburg.
“She subsequently deteriorated during a flight and later died upon arrival,” the WHO confirmed, emphasizing that contact tracing efforts are underway for individuals who may have been exposed during the journey.
The vessel carried 147 passengers from 23 countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States. A British passenger is currently receiving intensive care treatment in Johannesburg, while two crew members remain in urgent need of medical attention, according to the cruise operator.
Despite the severity of the cases, the WHO has assessed the broader public health risk as low.
“The overall risk to the global population remains low,” the agency stated.
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, although limited human-to-human transmission has been documented in rare instances. The WHO said it will continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations proceed and containment measures are implemented.
