Among the deceased are a 70-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman, both from the Netherlands. A German national also died, but the official cause of death remains unclear. Meanwhile, 149 people remain on board, with two individuals reported to be in serious condition.

The Hondius departed from Argentina three weeks prior to the outbreak, heading toward the Canary Islands. Health officials are conducting epidemiological investigations and contact tracing to determine how passengers were exposed to the virus, which is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodent excretions.

Key facts:

• Three passengers are suspected to have died from hantavirus on the cruise ship Hondius.
• 149 people remain on board the Hondius, with two in serious condition.
• A British national is in critical condition in an intensive care unit in Johannesburg.

The World Health Organization stated that while hantaviruses can be severe, they are typically not easily transmitted between people. “The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,” said Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge.

Maria Van Kerkhove added, “We are working with authorities to understand the source of exposure through epidemiological investigations and doing contact tracing to identify any further cases.” As health officials coordinate a public health response, plans for medical evacuation of the symptomatic individuals are underway.

Despite these measures, uncertainties linger about how passengers on the Hondius contracted hantavirus. Hantavirus infections are rare in humans, making this outbreak particularly alarming for those involved.

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On May 3, 2026, three passengers aboard the MV Hondius succumbed to complications linked to a hantavirus outbreak while traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde. The first victim was a 70-year-old man who developed symptoms during the voyage and tragically passed away on board.

The situation escalated when his 69-year-old wife also fell ill and later died in a Johannesburg hospital. Meanwhile, another 69-year-old British man remains in intensive care in Johannesburg as authorities continue to investigate the outbreak.

Key facts:

• One confirmed case of hantavirus infection has been reported, along with five additional suspected cases.
• The deceased passengers’ bodies were transferred to Saint Helena for further examination.
• The MV Hondius can accommodate up to 170 passengers and is operated by Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions.

In response to the outbreak, the WHO stated it is “facilitating coordination” between national authorities and the ship’s operators to organize medical evacuations for affected passengers. Officials have not confirmed how many others may be symptomatic.

“Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure (exposure to infected rodents’ urine or faeces),” the WHO added. This alarming incident underscores the potential health risks associated with cruise travel and rodent exposure.

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