Investigation Underway After Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Atlantic Cruise Ship

Wed, 06 May 2026 08:10:00 +0200

Health authorities, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), are currently investigating a concerning outbreak of a suspected hantavirus infection aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. The vessel, which was navigating the Atlantic Ocean while traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde, became the site of a rare medical emergency that has tragically claimed the lives of three passengers. In addition to these fatalities, several other individuals have fallen ill, with at least one patient requiring intensive care treatment.

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses typically transmitted to humans through contact with the bodily fluids—such as urine, saliva, or droppings—of infected rodents like mice, rats, and voles. While the disease is historically rare and not usually spread between people, it can cause severe health conditions, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a dangerous respiratory illness. Researchers are currently working to sequence the specific viral strain involved in the MV H