The World Health Organization has confirmed cases of Hantavirus among passengers aboard a cruise ship stranded off Cape Verde, with multiple fatalities reported.

 

 

According to the agency, two cases have been laboratory confirmed while five others remain suspected, bringing the total to seven cases, including three deaths.

 

 

“As of 4 May 2026, seven cases… have been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient and three individuals reporting mild symptoms,” the WHO said in a statement.

 

 

The outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, which was travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. Health officials said symptoms among those infected included fever, gastrointestinal issues, and rapid progression to severe respiratory conditions.

 

 

“It was characterised by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock,” the WHO stated, adding that “further investigations are ongoing”. The organisation is also attempting to trace passengers who may have been exposed, particularly those on an April 25 flight between Saint Helena and Johannesburg taken by one of the infected individuals who later died.

 

 

“She subsequently deteriorated during a flight… and later died upon arrival,” the WHO said, confirming that contact tracing efforts are underway. Passengers from multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States, were among the 147 people on board, representing 23 nationalities.

 

 

A British passenger remains in intensive care in Johannesburg, while two crew members require urgent medical attention, according to the cruise operator. Despite the seriousness of the cases, the WHO said the overall risk to the global population remains low.

 

 

The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, though limited human-to-human transmission has been recorded in past outbreaks. The WHO said it will continue monitoring the situation as investigations proceed.