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An outbreak of suspected hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has left three people dead and several others sick, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement sent to X.
The UN health agency said one case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed in a laboratory, while five more suspected cases are pending. Of the six people affected, three have died and one is in intensive care in South Africa.
The WHO said it was working with the government and the ship’s crew to arrange the medical evacuation of the two passengers with symptoms, while continuing to assess the public health risks for those still on board.
“Detailed investigations are ongoing, including laboratory tests, and epidemiological investigations,” WHO said. “Health care and support is being provided to passengers and crew. The virus sequence is also ongoing.”
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The cruise ship MV Hondius docks in the port of Praia, Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026. An outbreak of severe respiratory disease on board has left two people dead and one patient in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. The patient was diagnosed with hantavirus, according to South African health officials. (AFP/Getty Images)
The outbreak is linked to the m/v Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.
Oceanwide Expeditions, which operates the ship, has confirmed that three passengers died on the trip and one passenger is being treated in the intensive care unit in Johannesburg.
Two crew members on board also required emergency medical attention, the company said.
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The cruise ship MV Hondius docks in the port of Praia, Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026, amid an outbreak of severe respiratory disease that has killed two people and left a third patient in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. The patient was diagnosed with hantavirus, according to South African health officials. (AFP via Getty Images)
As of late Sunday, Cape Verdean authorities had not authorized the disembarkation of passengers requiring medical treatment or extensive testing, according to the company.
Local health officials have boarded a ship to assess the situation but have not yet authorized the transfer of people with symptoms to facilities on land.
“Oceanwide Expeditions’ priority is to ensure that the two people on board receive adequate and prompt medical attention,” the company said.
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A 3D illustration shows the structure of hantavirus, an RNA virus transmitted to humans through rat feces that can cause severe diseases including hemorrhagic fever, kidney disease, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. (Stock)
Dutch authorities are working to coordinate the return of those affected in Cape Verde to the Netherlands, although efforts depend on the approval of local officials, Oceanwide Expeditions said.
Hantavirus infections are often linked to exposure to or feces of infected rodents and can lead to severe respiratory illness.
“Although rare, hantavirus can spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response,” WHO said.
There is no specific cure for the virus, although early treatment can improve survival.
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The WHO said it has notified health authorities around the world under international law and continues to support the response.
“We are currently getting the full facts and working on appropriate medical care, testing, and next steps,” Oceanwide Expeditions said.
