Hantavirus Confirmed in Cruise Ship Passenger Triggering Medical Evacuations

The Dutch luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, currently anchored off the coast of Cabo Verde, has become the epicenter of a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with at least three confirmed cases of the Andes strain and two fatalities. The outbreak has prompted a series of medical evacuations, international coordination and heightened public health measures as authorities work to contain the spread of the virus.

As of May 6, 2026, two medical evacuation flights transported three passengers—one British national (56), one Dutch national (41), and one German national (65)—from the MV Hondius to specialist hospitals in Europe. Two of these individuals remain in serious condition, while the third, though currently asymptomatic, was in close contact with a passenger who died on board on May 2. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the ship, flying the Dutch flag, is receiving coordinated support from the Netherlands, including from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

The Andes strain of hantavirus is notable for its ability to spread between humans, a rare but serious complication not seen with most other hantavirus strains. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, but person-to-person transmission has been documented in previous outbreaks. The Dutch RIVM has been actively involved in preventive measures on board and in the medical evacuation process, with two Dutch infectious disease specialists now on their way to Cabo Verde to provide additional medical support.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise ship’s voyage originated in Argentina, where the Andes strain is endemic. The ship had been carrying around 150 passengers and crew when the first cases were reported. Two Dutch nationals have died, one of whom tested positive for hantavirus. Another passenger, a British national, is critically ill in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa, with hantavirus confirmed. A third case was confirmed in Switzerland, where a passenger who traveled on the first leg of the voyage tested positive and is now under treatment at the University Hospital Zurich.

The ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, has stated that all passengers on board have been contacted and advised to follow strict safety protocols, including limiting close contact and frequent hand sanitization. The MV Hondius is now en route to the Canary Islands, with further decisions on quarantine, screening, and onward travel pending medical advice and the outcome of health screenings for all guests.

The WHO and ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) have assessed the global risk from this outbreak as low, but the situation remains under close monitoring. The Andes strain is known for its high fatality rate, and health authorities are emphasizing the importance of early detection, isolation, and supportive care for infected individuals.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), caused by the Andes strain, typically begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by severe respiratory distress as the disease progresses. Early symptoms can appear within 1 to 8 weeks after exposure, and the disease can be fatal if not treated promptly.

As the MV Hondius continues its journey, public health officials are working to ensure that all passengers receive appropriate medical evaluation and that the risk of further transmission is minimized. The situation underscores the importance of vigilance and rapid response in managing infectious disease outbreaks, especially in settings where close contact among individuals is inevitable.