Three deaths have been confirmed on a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, suspected to be caused by a hantavirus outbreak onboard. Authorities are currently evacuating the sick passengers.
On 3 May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) told BBC News that three people have died following a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship navigating the Atlantic Ocean.
Reports confirm one person infected with hantavirus and five others under investigation as suspected cases. Additionally, a British national is reportedly receiving treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU).
The outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, a Dutch travel company. The vessel was traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde in Africa.
Hantavirus infections typically result from contact with environments contaminated by infected rodent urine or feces. However, in rare cases, the virus can spread from person to person, leading to severe respiratory illness.
Earlier, Foster Mohale, spokesperson for South Africa’s Ministry of Health, told BBC that at least two deaths had occurred on the vessel.
According to Oceanwide Expeditions’ website itinerary, the MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on 20 March and was expected to complete its journey on 4 May in Cape Verde.
The first symptomatic patient was a 70-year-old passenger who died aboard the ship. His body is currently at Saint Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic.
His 69-year-old wife also fell ill onboard and was evacuated to South Africa, where she later died at a hospital in Johannesburg.
Additionally, a 69-year-old British man was evacuated to Johannesburg and is currently receiving ICU treatment.
WHO added that it is coordinating with member states and cruise operators to evacuate two more ill passengers for treatment, conduct a full public health risk assessment, and provide full support to those remaining on the ship.
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Source:bbc