Passengers Isolate on Cruise Ship After Hantavirus Outbreak Off Cape Verde

Wed, 06 May 2026 08:51:00 +0200

Nearly 150 passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship are isolating in their cabins following a hantavirus outbreak that has killed three people and left several others seriously ill. The ship, anchored off the port of Praia in Cape Verde, is awaiting permission to dock in the Canary Islands in three to four days. Health authorities are evacuating some infected passengers, while strict hygiene and social distancing measures are being enforced for those remaining onboard. Despite the situation, passengers report staying calm, maintaining morale, and keeping themselves occupied with reading, movies, and solo walks on the deck. The World Health Organization noted that human-to-human transmission is likely limited to close contacts, such as couples or caregivers, and the risk to the general public is very low. Crew members are actively disinfecting the ship, providing updates, and ensuring medical supplies are available. Passengers, including travel bloggers and photographers, are sharin