WHO reports possible: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports possible hantavirus transmission among cruise ship passengers aboard the MV Hondius. Two confirmed cases of hantavirus, a virus that rarely spreads between humans, have been identified on the ship, and three passengers have died.
Details of the outbreak on MV Hondius
The MV Hondius, a Dutch cruise ship, set sail from Argentina about a month ago and is currently anchored near Cape Verde, off Africa’s west coast. The virus is typically spread from rodents, but the WHO indicated that in this instance, hantavirus may have spread among “really close contacts” aboard the vessel.
Seven cases of hantavirus have been identified so far, including two confirmed and five suspected cases. The two confirmed cases include a Dutch woman, who is among the deceased, and a 69-year-old UK national who was evacuated to South Africa for medical treatment. The woman’s husband and a German national also died, though they are not confirmed cases.
Medical teams from Cape Verde, supported by the WHO, have boarded the ship to assist with suspected cases. Testing is ongoing for other passengers and crew members showing symptoms. The ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, reported that two crew members—one British and one Dutch—are due to be medically evacuated to the Netherlands after developing acute respiratory symptoms. Additionally, a person linked to the German national who died is also scheduled for evacuation.
WHO’s assessment and response measures
WHO official Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove stated that there may have been rare human-to-human transmission among close contacts on the ship. The organization suspects the first person to fall ill contracted the virus before boarding. Investigators are working under the assumption that the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is found in South America where the cruise began, is involved in the confirmed cases.
The WHO confirmed there were no rats on board the ship. Disinfection procedures are underway, and individuals with symptoms or those caring for patients are using full personal protective equipment. The WHO’s working hypothesis includes the possibility of multiple types of transmission occurring.
Next steps and international coordination
Spain has granted permission for the MV Hondius to dock in the Canary Islands for risk assessment and further medical monitoring. However, Spain’s health ministry has not yet received a formal request for the ship to stop there and has emphasized that the next port of call will be decided based on epidemiological data gathered as the ship travels past Cape Verde.
Spanish authorities are prepared to provide medical attention, analysis, and disinfection if the ship docks, but it remains unclear whether passengers will be allowed to disembark.
Currently, 149 people from 23 countries remain on board under strict precautionary measures. Passengers have reported a generally calm atmosphere despite the uncertainty, with hopes for clarity and safe return.