The number of suspected Hantavirus cases in an outbreak aboard the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius has increased to seven, as health officials disclose the symptoms experienced by affected passengers. Approximately 150 individuals on the Dutch vessel remain confined while it drifts in West African waters, as authorities work to contain the rare rodent-borne illness.
WHO Confirms Rise in Cases
The World Health Organisation confirmed on Monday that the case count has risen to seven, comprising two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infections and five suspected cases. Hantavirus is a rare disease typically transmitted to humans through contact with urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rodents. Three passengers on the MV Hondius have died.
Symptoms and Patient Details
Among the additional cases, one passenger is critically ill, while three others report mild symptoms. The WHO noted that illness onset occurred between April 6 and 28, 2026. Reported symptoms include fever, gastrointestinal issues, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock.
The organisation is conducting investigations alongside further laboratory testing and epidemiological studies. Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew.
Case Studies
The WHO released detailed case studies of the symptoms each patient faced. A male adult experienced fever, headache, and mild diarrhoea on April 6, but developed respiratory distress five days later and died. A female adult, who was in close contact with the deceased man, reported gastrointestinal symptoms while disembarking at the remote island of St Helena. Her condition worsened during a flight to Johannesburg, and she died at an emergency department on April 26. On May 4, it was confirmed she had contracted the virus.
