Human-transmissible hantavirus strain identified in MV Hondius passengers
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 6
Human-transmissible hantavirus strain identified in MV Hondius passengers
13 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 6
South African and Swiss authorities confirmed the Andes virus in three cases as the Dutch-flagged ship, carrying nearly 150 people, remained off Cape Verde awaiting transfer to Spain's Canary Islands.
Three passengers have died and at least five people have fallen ill; a British man is in intensive care in South Africa and a Swiss patient is isolated in Zurich.
The WHO said passengers were isolating in cabins and Spain agreed to receive the vessel after requests from WHO and the ECDC, though Canary Islands leaders voiced concern about local risk.
How did a rare virus with a 50% fatality rate spread between humans on a modern cruise ship?
With a 'plague ship' en route to Europe, is this a rescue mission or a major public health gamble?
Hantavirus Andes Variant Outbreak on MV Hondius Cruise Ship: 3 Deaths, Medical Evacuations, and Containment Efforts
Overview
In early May 2026, the MV Hondius cruise ship remained anchored off Cape Verde with several passengers showing severe symptoms linked to hantavirus infection, confirmed to be the Andes variant likely contracted during a birding expedition in Argentina. This strain is notable for rare human-to-human transmission, especially through close contact, which likely contributed to the spread onboard. Multiple fatalities, including a Dutch passenger and his wife, have occurred, prompting strict isolation and quarantine measures for all 148 individuals aboard. International health authorities, led by WHO, coordinate ongoing medical evacuations, contact tracing, and risk assessments. Despite the severity, the broader public transmission risk is low, with no travel bans imposed, highlighting the need for vigilant prevention and improved outbreak response protocols.