Three people have died following a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde, according to the World Health Organisation.

The Department of Health say a 70-year-old Dutch man fell ill aboard the MV Hondius and died after the vessel docked at Saint Helena. His remains are awaiting repatriation to the Netherlands.

His wife, a 69-year-old Dutch national, also became ill and later died in hospital in Johannesburg.

The only confirmed case so far involves a 69-year-old British national, who is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg. Meanwhile, two crew members on board the ship are also in need of urgent medical assistance.

Dutch authorities are arranging the repatriation of two symptomatic individuals, along with the body of a third victim that remains on the vessel.

Passengers on £35,000 Atlantic cruise struck by rat-borne hantavirus tell of their hell as they remain trapped on board because Cape Verde authorities won’t let them disembark: Fears of more cases after three people died and Brit was left critical https://t.co/5C5FhV3dHi

— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) May 4, 2026

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially severe disease spread mainly through contact with infected rodent droppings or urine.

While rare, it may spread between people, and can lead to severe respiratory illness and requires careful patient monitoring, support and response.

The WHO says detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations.

WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died… pic.twitter.com/SqMAAZzoID

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 3, 2026

The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital is celebrating seven decades since it first opened its doors in Cape Town and launching a R70 million fundraising campaign to help secure its future. 

The hospital was born in 1945, when the Cape Region of the South African Red Cross Society proposed creating a memorial to those who had served in the Second World War by dedicating a hospital to the nation’s children. Public donations raised R476,000 towards construction, and after 11 years, the hospital opened in Rondebosch on 18 June 1956. 

Its first patients were 15 children recovering from poliomyelitis. From an initial 90 beds, the institution has grown into Africa’s first and only dedicated paediatric tertiary hospital. 

Today, Red Cross Hospital treats about 250,000 children each year. Over 70 years, this amounts to an estimated 17.5 million young lives, including children with congenital heart disease, severe burns and trauma, cancer, and complex neurosurgical conditions referred from across sub-Saharan Africa. 

“Seventy years ago, people who had very little, gave what they could so that children who had even less might receive the best possible care… Our commitment to every child who walks through these doors regardless of where they come from or what their family can afford, is unchanged from the day we opened,” said Chief Executive Officer Dr Anita Parbhoo. 

The Children’s Hospital Trust said the R70 million campaign would fund critical clinical equipment, additional surgical theatre time to reduce waiting lists, short stay care projects, and expanded specialist paediatric services across the Western Cape. 

“This hospital was built by a community that understood something important: that investing in a child’s health is investing in the future of our country. Together, we have built something remarkable, and we encourage you to continue the journey with us,” said Children’s Hospital Trust Chief Executive Officer Chantel Cooper. 

The campaign will run throughout the hospital’s jubilee year, alongside a commemorative ‘Seven Stories for Seven Decades’ series where people like Madeleine Hetem, who received an open heart transplant as a toddler 44 years ago, share their stories. 

Premier Alan Winde has confirmed that the Western Cape Government is working on contingency measures in case fuel supply to the country is threatened.  

This follows the Premier’s Coordinating Forum meeting on Tuesday, in which challenges in the province, such as fuel supply, water security and the Foot-and-Mouth Disease were discussed.  

He noted that these meetings are aligned with the work of the “multi-hazard Joint Operations Centre, led by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC)”. 

Winde clarified that there’s been no disruption to fuel supply in the province but noted that planning is needed to ensure coordination, preparedness and continuity of essential services.  

This is amid uncertainty over the duration and intensity of the war in the Middle East, and its knock-on effect on fuel supply and cost.    

As such, Winde said the province’s plan, related to possible fuel supply challenges, is to ensure that there are clear guidelines and responsibilities for government stakeholders; to ensure they are ready to respond to potential disruptions; and to ensure that there’s minimal impact on healthcare, emergency services, food supply and transport.  

“While there have not been any disruptions to the Western Cape’s fuel supplies, we cannot let our guard down. Through the good work of our PDMC, I am confident we have the best plan in place should this situation change. Provinces have no mandate over fuel supply matters. But this does not preclude us as provincial government from implementing risk mitigation measures,” said Winde. 

He further welcomed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s announcement that a reduced fuel levy will remain in place until June. This is ahead of an announcement on fuel price adjustments for May, which usually come into effect on the first Wednesday of the month.  

READ MORE: Fuel levy relief extended for May, with diesel levy reduced to zero – Smile 90.4FM

Other challenges in the Western Cape  

Winde further noted that there’s been steady progress in getting the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease under control in the province.  

He said it’s been 39 days with no new confirmed cases, with vaccination central to the province’s control strategy. He added that an additional 150,000 doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive in the coming days.  

READ MORE:  One month of no confirmed FMD cases in WCape – Smile 90.4FM

Additionally, Winde noted that water security remains a priority. He encouraged residents to continue using water sparingly, despite recent increases to dam levels. 

READ MORE:  Dam levels rise after strong April rains, but water conservation still urged – Smile 90.4FM

“Our coordinated approach ensures that we are not only responding to current challenges but also building resilience for the future. We will continue working closely with all partners to protect our residents, our economy, and our essential services,” said Winde.