The World Health Organization has confirmed five cases of hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, with three deaths reported. The outbreak has spread to over a dozen countries as passengers disembarked before the virus was detected.
Global Impact
Countries affected include Argentina, Cape Verde, the Netherlands, the UK, the US, Denmark, Germany, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and France. The WHO states the public health threat remains low, but the six-week incubation period could lead to more cases.
Confirmed Cases and Deaths
Three people have died: a Dutch couple and a German national. Five of eight suspected cases have been confirmed as hantavirus. The virus is typically spread by rodents but can rarely transmit between humans.
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Country-Specific Details
- Argentina: The ship departed from Ushuaia. Argentina reports 101 hantavirus infections since June 2025, double the previous year. Investigations focus on a bird-watching outing.
- Cape Verde: The ship was denied docking and sailed to the Canary Islands, which also refused docking.
- Netherlands: The Dutch-flagged ship has 13 Dutch nationals aboard. A Dutch woman was hospitalized in Amsterdam after contact with a deceased patient.
- UK: 19 British passengers and 4 crew. One British patient in intensive care in South Africa; another evacuated to the Netherlands.
- US: CDC monitoring two asymptomatic residents in Georgia and one in Arizona; California monitoring an undisclosed number.
- Denmark: A Danish citizen is self-isolating at home.
- Germany: Eight German nationals aboard; one female passenger died. An asymptomatic evacuee is undergoing tests.
- Philippines: 38 Filipino crew, but no cases reported.
- Singapore: Two residents isolated and monitored; test results pending.
- South Africa: A Dutch woman died after flying from St Helena; 62 contacts identified.
- Spain: The ship expected to dock in Tenerife; non-Spanish citizens will be repatriated, 14 Spanish passengers quarantined.
- Switzerland: One patient with symptoms tested positive for Andes strain; wife self-isolating.
- France: One French citizen in contact with a patient but asymptomatic.
