Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: 3 Dead, WHO Assesses Public Risk as Low

The MV Hondius, a Dutch cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak in the Atlantic Ocean. Three passengers have died, and seven cases—two confirmed and five suspected—have been identified.

The ship, carrying approximately 150 people from over 20 nations, is currently anchored near Praia, Cape Verde, after local authorities refused docking due to fears of potential spread. The vessel may soon head to Las Palmas or Tenerife for medical screening and passenger disembarkation.

Among the deceased are a married Dutch couple and a German national. A British passenger, the first diagnosed case, was evacuated to South Africa for treatment. Two of the three deaths have been linked to hantavirus.

WHO: Public Risk Remains Low

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the risk to the general public is low, despite the severity of the outbreak aboard the cruise ship. Hantavirus, though rare and often fatal, typically presents with flu-like symptoms and is primarily transmitted through exposure to rodents’ urine or feces. Human-to-human transmission is possible but exceedingly rare.

One notable case involved Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, who died from hantavirus in April 2024. Her husband passed away from Alzheimer’s complications.

Expert Reaction: Unusual Cluster of Cases

Steven Bradfute, PhD, an associate professor at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center specializing in hantavirus research, called the cruise ship outbreak unprecedented. “Usually, you have isolated cases, so to hear about a cruise ship with multiple people being infected was definitely not something on our radar,” he told Healthline.

Precautionary Measures Underway

Oceanwide Expeditions has implemented strict measures, including isolation protocols, hygiene practices, and medical monitoring. The company is collaborating with local and international authorities to manage the situation.

“We are working closely with local and international authorities,” the company stated on May 4. “All passengers have been informed and are being supported.”