Three people have died and three others are seriously ill following a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the Netherlands-based cruise ship MV Hondius, according to authorities and media reports. The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was on a polar expedition route that began in Argentina and had traveled through Antarctic waters before reaching the Atlantic near Cape Verde, an island nation off the west coast of Africa.
The company described the situation as a “serious medical emergency” and confirmed it was coordinating with health and governmental authorities as the outbreak unfolded at sea. Around 150 passengers were reportedly on board the ship, which departed Argentina approximately three weeks ago. Dutch officials confirmed that two of the deceased passengers were Dutch nationals, while further details about the victims have not been publicly disclosed.
The World Health Organization said it is actively investigating the outbreak after laboratory testing confirmed hantavirus infection in at least one of the six affected individuals. One of the sick passengers is in intensive care in South Africa, with reports indicating the patient is a British national. The outbreak has triggered urgent coordination between international health agencies, the ship operator, and national governments, as efforts continue to manage the crisis and determine the source of infection.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings or urine, which can become airborne and inhaled, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments. In rare cases, human-to-human transmission has been reported. The illness often begins with flu-like symptoms before rapidly progressing to severe respiratory distress, potentially leading to heart and lung failure. Health authorities estimate that fatality rates can reach around 40 percent in some outbreaks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Oceanwide Expeditions reported that Cape Verde authorities had not yet granted permission for medically vulnerable passengers to disembark, complicating evacuation efforts. Dutch authorities are reportedly working to arrange the repatriation of two symptomatic passengers along with the body of one deceased individual. The World Health Organization stated it is supporting coordination for medical evacuation, conducting a full public health risk assessment, and assisting remaining passengers still on board the vessel as the investigation continues.
