The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed a Hantavirus infection outbreak aboard the cruise vessel MV Hondius, sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in three deaths. The organisation is currently investigating five additional suspected infections. Six individuals have been affected so far, with one patient receiving intensive care treatment in South Africa.
Investigation and Response
The WHO disclosed on X that detailed epidemiological investigations, further laboratory testing, and virus sequencing are ongoing to establish the source and scope of the health event. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew on board the vessel. Hantavirus infections are commonly linked to environmental exposure, particularly contact with urine or faeces of infected rodents such as rats and mice. Although human-to-human transmission is rare, the disease can cause severe respiratory illness, requiring careful patient monitoring, clinical support, and coordinated public health action.
Coordination and Medical Evacuation
The WHO is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship's operators for the medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers. A full public health risk assessment is being conducted for the remaining passengers on board, while national focal points have been informed under the International Health Regulations. A Disease Outbreak News update for the public will be issued.
Meanwhile, the operator of the MV Hondius reported that a Dutch husband and wife, as well as a German national, had died, but the cause has not yet been established. Authorities in South Africa stated that the outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius, which was carrying about 150 tourists. The vessel reportedly departed from Argentina about three weeks ago for a voyage that included stops in Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and other destinations before heading toward the Canary Islands across the Atlantic. South African health authorities are conducting contact tracing in the Johannesburg region to determine whether other persons were exposed to infected passengers who had travelled through the country.
