The World Health Organization has confirmed cases of Hantavirus among passengers aboard a cruise ship stranded off the coast of Cape Verde, with multiple fatalities reported.
Confirmed Cases and Fatalities
According to the agency, two cases have been laboratory confirmed while five others remain suspected, bringing the total to seven cases, including three deaths. A statement from the WHO read: "As of 4 May 2026, seven cases have been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient and three individuals reporting mild symptoms."
Details of the Outbreak
The outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, which was traveling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. Health officials noted that symptoms among those infected included fever, gastrointestinal issues, and rapid progression to severe respiratory conditions. The WHO stated: "It was characterized by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock." The organization added that further investigations are ongoing.
Contact Tracing and Exposure
The WHO is attempting to trace passengers who may have been exposed, particularly those on an April 25 flight between Saint Helena and Johannesburg taken by one of the infected individuals who later died. The WHO confirmed: "She subsequently deteriorated during a flight and later died upon arrival," adding that contact tracing efforts are underway. Passengers from multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States, were among the 147 people on board, representing 23 nationalities.
Current Status of Passengers
A British passenger remains in intensive care in Johannesburg, while two crew members require urgent medical attention, according to the cruise operator. Despite the seriousness of the cases, the WHO said the overall risk to the global population remains low. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, though limited human-to-human transmission has been recorded in past outbreaks. The WHO said it will continue monitoring the situation as investigations proceed.
