Second hantavirus case confirmed after deaths on Atlantic Cruise Ship

A second confirmed case of Hantavirus has emerged following the deaths of three passengers and a serious illness onboard a cruise ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

The vessel, the MV Hondius operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently anchored near Cape Verde after local authorities barred passengers from disembarking over safety concerns.

A Dutch husband and wife and a German passenger have died. The Dutch woman tested positive for hantavirus, while the cause of death for the other two victims remains under investigation.

The virus has also been confirmed in a 69-year-old British passenger, who was evacuated to a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they are receiving intensive care.

In addition, two crew members—one British and one Dutch—are suspected cases, along with a close contact of the German passenger. Plans are underway to evacuate them for further medical assessment.

The ship, carrying 149 passengers from 23 countries, has been placed under strict precautionary measures, including isolation protocols and enhanced hygiene controls. It has been at sea for over a month, having departed from Argentina and travelled more than 6,000 miles.

Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents, particularly via their urine, saliva or droppings. It can lead to severe respiratory illness, though human-to-human transmission is considered extremely rare.

The World Health Organization is now involved in coordinating the response. Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said discussions are ongoing with Spanish authorities to potentially allow the ship to continue to the Canary Islands, where a comprehensive risk assessment could be carried out.

Possible docking locations include Las Palmas or Tenerife, where passengers could undergo further medical screening before disembarkation.

Van Kerkhove said the WHO’s immediate priority is ensuring proper treatment for those currently showing symptoms, particularly the crew members still onboard.