W.H.O. About Hantavirus Cases on Cape Verde Cruise
WHO confirms hantavirus cases aboard a cruise off Cape Verde, with fatalities and ongoing containment measures.
Cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak remains anchored as health authorities assess passengers. Photo: @Independent_ie
May 5, 2026 Hour: 8:11 am
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Outbreak linked to cruise ship leaves three dead and several cases under investigation
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed two cases of hantavirus on Tuesday among passengers aboard a cruise ship anchored off Cape Verde, with five additional suspected infections linked to an outbreak that has resulted in three deaths.
RELATED: Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to Cruise Ship Leaves Three Dead
The vessel, MV Hondius, departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, and currently carries 147 passengers and crew, according to WHO information. The agency said it was notified on May 2 of passengers experiencing severe respiratory illness onboard.
“Until 4 May 2026, seven cases have been identified (two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus cases and five suspected cases), with three deaths, one patient in critical condition [in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa] and three individuals presenting mild symptoms,” the WHO stated.
The first suspected case involved a 70-year-old Dutch passenger who developed fever, headache, and mild diarrhea on April 6 while onboard. His condition deteriorated, and he died on April 11 without undergoing microbiological testing.
Cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions reported that his body was disembarked on April 24 on the island of Saint Helena, accompanied by his 69-year-old wife. She presented “gastrointestinal symptoms” and was transferred to Johannesburg, where she died in hospital two days later. Hantavirus infection in her case was confirmed on Monday.
The WHO added that “investigations have been initiated to trace passengers on that flight” from Saint Helena to Johannesburg.
Medical teams have boarded the vessel to examine those affected. The ship was denied entry at the port of Praia, Cape Verde’s capital, and its next destination remains undecided. Spain’s Canary Islands, including Las Palmas and Tenerife, are being considered as possible disembarkation points.
Oceanwide Expeditions stated that “strict precautionary” and isolation measures are being implemented onboard.
Author: MK
Source: WHO / Agencies
