Cruise ship waiting for help after 3 people died in a suspected hantavirus outbreak
The MV Hondius cruise ship is anchored off Cape Verde with nearly 150 people onboard after three passengers died and several others fell ill in a suspected hantavirus outbreak. The World Health Organization is coordinating with local authorities and the ship's operator to assess public health risks and arrange medical evacuations. While two sick crew members require urgent care, Cape Verde has not allowed the ship to dock due to concerns over spreading the rare rodent-borne virus.
- ▪Three people died and at least three others became seriously ill in a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
- ▪A British man evacuated earlier tested positive for hantavirus and is in critical condition in South Africa, while a Dutch woman who died also tested positive.
- ▪Cape Verde has prohibited the ship from docking and sent medical teams to assess the situation, while the WHO conducts epidemiological investigations.
- ▪The cruise began in Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, with no initial symptoms reported, though incubation can last up to eight weeks.
- ▪Oceanwide Expeditions is considering rerouting to Spanish islands if evacuations in Cape Verde cannot be arranged.
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World Cruise ship waiting for help after 3 people died in a suspected hantavirus outbreak May 5, 20261:49 AM ET By The Associated Press The MV Hondius cruise ship is anchored at a port in Praia, Cape Verde, Monday, May 4, 2026. Arilson Almeida/AP hide caption toggle caption Arilson Almeida/AP CAPE TOWN, South Africa — A cruise ship with nearly 150 people aboard was waiting for help off the coast of Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean on Monday after three passengers died and at least three other people were left seriously ill in a suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus, according to the World Health Organization and the ship's operator.
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