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
