The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a deadly outbreak of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius, a polar expedition ship currently anchored off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde.
As of May 5, 2026, here is the comprehensive breakdown of the situation:
The Current Toll
3 Dead: The fatalities include a Dutch husband and wife and a German passenger.
1 Critical: A 69-year-old British national is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. Reports today indicate his condition is improving.
7 Total Cases: WHO has identified two laboratory-confirmed cases of hantavirus and five suspected cases among the 147 passengers and crew.
Key Details of the Outbreak
Feature Details
The Vessel MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions (Dutch-flagged).
The Itinerary Departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1. Stops included Antarctica, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena, and Ascension Island.
Transmission Hantaviruses are typically spread by infected rodents. WHO is investigating the Andes virus strain, which is one of the few capable of rare human-to-human transmission.
Current Location Anchored off Cape Verde. Local authorities have barred the ship from docking to protect the local population.
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Timeline of Fatalities
April 11: An adult male (Dutch) developed symptoms on April 6 and died on board while the ship was at sea. His body was removed at St. Helena on April 24.
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April 26: The man’s wife (Dutch), who was a close contact, collapsed during a flight from St. Helena to Johannesburg. She died shortly after arrival at the hospital.
May 2: A German passenger died on board with symptoms of pneumonia.
WHO and Medical Response
Source of Infection: WHO officials believe the initial couple was likely infected off the ship (possibly in South America) before boarding, given the virus’s 1-to-6-week incubation period. No evidence of rodents has been found on the vessel itself.
Low Global Risk: Despite the high fatality rate in this cluster, WHO emphasizes that the risk to the general public is low. Hantavirus does not typically spread easily between people.
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Repatriation Efforts: Two symptomatic crew members remain on board and are being prepared for medical evacuation to the Netherlands via air ambulance.
Isolation: All 147 people on board remain under strict isolation in their cabins with enhanced hygiene protocols.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe respiratory disease. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches, followed by a rapid progression to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. There is no specific cure or vaccine; treatment relies on early intensive supportive care and ventilators.
