Three Dead in Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius Cruise Ship

Key facts

• Three passengers dead, at least three others ill in suspected hantavirus outbreak on MV Hondius.
• First victim: 70-year-old man died of hemorrhagic fever on board.
• Second victim: his 69-year-old wife died at a hospital in Johannesburg.
• Third victim died Sunday; body remains on ship.
• A 69-year-old British passenger in intensive care in Johannesburg.
• Ship departed Argentina March 20, expected in Cape Verde May 4.
• Vessel operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, registered under Dutch flag.

Fatal Hemorrhagic Fever Strikes Cruise Ship

Three passengers are dead and a fourth is fighting for life after a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, a polar cruise ship traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde. The World Health Organization confirmed at least one hantavirus case among the victims, with five other suspected cases pending laboratory results. The first victim, a 70-year-old man, suffered a fatal hemorrhagic fever on board the ship. His 69-year-old wife died shortly after at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. A third passenger died Sunday, and their body remains on the vessel, according to an anonymous source.

WHO Confirms Hantavirus, Evacuation Underway

The WHO announced Sunday that investigations are ongoing, with at least one hantavirus case verified. The agency is coordinating with local authorities to evacuate two remaining symptomatic passengers from the ship. One patient is currently receiving intensive care at a South African medical facility. Discussions are underway to place the two sick passengers in isolation at a hospital in Cape Verde before they are transferred to Spain's Canary Islands. Oceanwide Expeditions stated it is in the process of repatriating the symptomatic passengers, the third deceased passenger, and a friend of the victim from Cape Verde to the Netherlands.

Ship's Journey and Operator Details

The MV Hondius departed from Argentina on March 20 and was scheduled to complete its trip in Cape Verde on May 4, according to the cruise itinerary. Maritime tracking data shows the vessel is moored in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, as of Sunday evening. The 353-foot polar cruise ship, operated by Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions, can accommodate 170 passengers in 80 cabins. It is registered under the Dutch flag. South African news outlets identified the vessel after the WHO declined to disclose its name.

Hantavirus Transmission and Symptoms

Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with the droppings or urine of infected rodents, particularly rats and mice. While rodent bites and scratches can transmit the infection, such cases are uncommon. The virus causes two distinct syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the Western Hemisphere, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Europe and Asia. Seoul virus, an HFRS-causing variant, has a global presence. There is no specific treatment or cure for hantavirus, but early medical intervention can improve survival chances. The WHO is conducting a full public health risk assessment for those still on board.

Previous Hantavirus Incident Raises Awareness

Last year, actor Gene Hackman was found dead alongside his wife Betsy, who died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The couple was discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025. HPS is spread through rat and mouse excreta, often encountered during cleaning of attics or basements. The MV Hondius is the latest recreational cruise ship to experience a devastating outbreak, highlighting the vulnerability of confined environments to infectious diseases.

Uncertain Fate for Remaining Passengers

The fate of the remaining passengers showing no signs of hantavirus infection remains uncertain. The WHO is working with local authorities to manage the situation, including potential quarantine measures. Oceanwide Expeditions has not disclosed whether the voyage will be terminated early or if passengers will be allowed to disembark in Cape Verde. The outbreak underscores the challenges of containing zoonotic diseases in mobile populations and the importance of rapid international coordination.

The bottom line

• Three people have died and at least three others are ill in a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
• The first victim was a 70-year-old man; his 69-year-old wife died later; a third passenger died Sunday.
• A 69-year-old British passenger is in intensive care in Johannesburg.
• The WHO has confirmed at least one hantavirus case and is evacuating two symptomatic passengers.
• Hantavirus is transmitted via rodent excreta and has no specific cure.
• The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde.