Cruise ship at centre of suspected hantavirus outbreak blocked from docking in Cape Verde
A cruise ship, the MV Hondius, has been denied docking in Cape Verde due to a suspected hantavirus outbreak that has killed three passengers, including a Dutch couple. Health authorities are coordinating with Dutch and UK officials to manage the situation and arrange medical evacuations. The World Health Organization confirmed one laboratory-confirmed hantavirus case among six suspected cases, with one patient in intensive care in South Africa.
- ▪Three passengers have died from suspected hantavirus infection aboard the MV Hondius, including a married couple from the Netherlands.
- ▪Cape Verde has refused to allow the cruise ship to dock to protect national public health.
- ▪One infected British tourist was medically evacuated to a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, where tests confirmed hantavirus.
- ▪The World Health Organization reported one laboratory-confirmed case and five suspected cases of hantavirus on the ship.
- ▪Oceanwide Expeditions is coordinating with Dutch authorities for the repatriation of two ill crew members and the body of a deceased passenger.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The MV Hondius off Praia, Cape Verde. A married couple from the Netherlands are among three dead from suspected hantavirus. Photograph: AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThe MV Hondius off Praia, Cape Verde. A married couple from the Netherlands are among three dead from suspected hantavirus. Photograph: AFP/Getty ImagesInfectious diseasesCruise ship at centre of suspected hantavirus outbreak blocked from docking in Cape VerdeOfficials say they will not authorise docking ‘to protect public health’ after deaths of three passengers on vessel What is hantavirus, the infection thought to have killed three on cruise ship? Ashifa KassamMon 4 May 2026 08.06 EDTLast modified on Mon 4 May 2026 08.18 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleOfficials in Cape Verde have said they will not allow a…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from World news | The Guardian
