The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on May 3, 2026, three deaths linked to a possible outbreak of hantavirus, a disease that can cause acute respiratory syndrome, on a cruise ship in the Atlantic. The ship, the MV Hondius, was traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde. On Sunday, it was located just off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, as observed by an AFP photographer and videographer.
“ To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory-confirmed, and five other cases are suspected. Of the six people affected, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa."The UN agency told AFP. This passenger, a 69-year-old British national, is hospitalized in Johannesburg, a South African spokesman for the Ministry of Health, Foster Mohale, confirmed."
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A rare infection transmitted by infected rodents
“ Although rare, hantavirus can be transmitted from person to person and cause serious respiratory illness; it requires careful patient monitoring, support, and appropriate care.", the WHO indicated.
“ Extensive investigations are underway, including further laboratory analyses and epidemiological inquiries. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Virus sequencing is also in progress."s," she added.
Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans through infected wild rodents, such as mice or rats, which shed the virus in their saliva, urine, and feces. A bite, contact with these rodents or their droppings, or inhalation of contaminated dust can cause infection.
There are many types of hantavirus, distinguished by their geographic distribution and clinical presentation. According to the website of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), " only one type of virus, extremely rare, can be transmitted from one human being to another“.
According to a source familiar with the case who requested anonymity, a Dutch couple was among the three deceased. The third victim is believed to still be on board the ship.
"Swift and coordinated action"
A 70-year-old cruise passenger was the first to show symptoms. He died on board the ship and his body is currently on the island of Saint Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, according to the South African spokesperson.
His wife, aged 69, also fell ill on board the ship and was evacuated to South Africa: she died there at an undetermined date in a Johannesburg hospital, the same source said, which was unable to specify the nationality of the victims.
“ The WHO is organizing the medical evacuation of two passengers showing symptoms, conducting a full risk assessment, and providing support to those affected on board."The WHO Director-General said Sunday evening, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on.
“ Rapid and coordinated action is essential to limit risks and protect public health" he noted. According to the anonymous source familiar with the situation, the ship could then continue its journey to the Canary Islands, two or three days away at sea.
The MV Hondius appears online on the websites of several travel agencies, particularly those based in Argentina and the United Kingdom. One of them offers a cruise departing from Ushuaia to Cape Verde, with stops at the islands of South Georgia and Saint Helena. It can accommodate approximately 170 passengers and has a crew of around 70.
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