Three people have died and others are being monitored following a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, health officials have confirmed.
The outbreak was linked to the MV Hondius, a Dutch flagged vessel carrying about 150 passengers on a journey from South America to Europe, with stops in Antarctica and remote South Atlantic islands before docking in Cape Verde.
The first victim, a 70 year old passenger, fell ill during the voyage and died after the ship reached Saint Helena. His wife later developed symptoms and collapsed at an airport in South Africa, where she died after being hospitalized. A third passenger also died, while a British national who tested positive is receiving intensive care in South Africa. At least two other passengers are under observation.
Experts say hantavirus is a rare infection spread mainly through contact with rodent droppings or urine. It is not commonly linked to cruise ships, unlike illnesses such as Norovirus or COVID-19.
Investigations are ongoing to determine where exposure occurred, either onboard or during one of the ship’s stops. The World Health Organization is working with health authorities to manage the response, while contact tracing continues in South Africa.
Officials say the risk to the general public remains low, though monitoring and medical support are ongoing.
