At least three people have died and one remains in critical condition following an outbreak of a suspected hantavirus infection aboard the Dutch cruise liner MV Hondius, as authorities in Cape Verde refuse to let passengers go ashore, creating a complex international medical emergency.
An outbreak of a suspected hantavirus has been recorded on board the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, which was sailing across the Atlantic from Argentina to Cape Verde. Three people have died, and another is in a critical condition. The situation is being compounded by local restrictions preventing passengers from disembarking, as well as the need to coordinate an international medical evacuation.
The MV Hondius, operated by the Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, was travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. The vessel set sail three weeks ago with 150 passengers on board, and its itinerary included stops in Antarctica and the Falkland Islands region.
During the Atlantic crossing, several passengers began displaying symptoms of a severe respiratory illness. Six people have since been placed under medical observation.
“Of the six affected, three have died, and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa,” the World Health Organisation (WHO) told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
So far, only one case of hantavirus has been confirmed by laboratory tests. The status of the other patients is still being clarified.
Nature of the disease and associated risks
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses transmitted to humans by rodents, primarily through the inhalation of particles from infected droppings, urine or saliva. The illness typically begins with flu-like symptoms and can progress rapidly. In severe cases, it leads to acute respiratory failure or kidney damage.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fatality rate for certain forms of hantavirus infection can reach approximately 40%.
There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection. Medical care is supportive, and in severe cases includes mechanical ventilation. Human-to-human transmission of the virus is considered rare.
The victims: A 70-year-old passenger and his wife
According to media reports, the first symptoms appeared in a 70-year-old passenger, who later died. His body was taken to the island of St Helena. Shortly afterwards, the disease was detected in his 69-year-old wife. She was evacuated to South Africa but died in a Johannesburg hospital. The body of the third victim is believed to remain on board the ship.
A spokesperson for the Dutch foreign ministry confirmed the deaths of two Dutch nationals but declined to provide further details.
Another person who fell ill – a 69-year-old British national – was evacuated and is currently hospitalised in Johannesburg. South Africa’s health ministry has confirmed he is in intensive care.
The cruise ship is now anchored off the coast of Cape Verde, near the capital, Praia. Local authorities have refused permission for passengers to go ashore, severely hampering efforts to carry out swift medical evacuations. Oceanwide Expeditions said it was “addressing a serious medical situation” on board and was providing support to passengers and their families.
WHO steps in to coordinate response
The WHO said it was coordinating between member states and the ship’s operator to arrange medical evacuations and assess public health risks. “WHO is facilitating coordination among member states and the ship operator for the medical evacuation of two passengers showing symptoms, as well as for a full public health risk assessment,” the organisation said.
At the same time, authorities are considering imposing quarantine measures for everyone still on board the vessel.
