The World Health Organization confirmed eight hantavirus cases, including three deaths, linked to the MV Hondius cruise, as of May 8, 2026. Six cases are confirmed Andes virus infections, with four patients still hospitalised. One previously suspected case has been reclassified as a non-case after testing negative via PCR and serology. The outbreak occurred during a voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde, with illness onset between April 6 and April 28. Symptoms included fever, gastrointestinal issues, rapid pneumonia progression, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock. The Andes virus, the only hantavirus strain known to spread between humans, has been identified in confirmed cases. WHO has deployed one expert and is working with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control aboard the ship to support passengers, crew, and operators.
Passengers from 23 nationalities, including the United States, Britain, and Spain, were on the 147-person vessel. The United States is arranging a repatriation flight for its citizens after the ship docked in Tenerife, Spain. The State Department is coordinating with Spanish authorities and other US agencies. Seventeen Americans were reported on board. The ship previously stopped at Saint Helena on April 24, where some nationals disembarked. An adult male who left the ship on April 14 in Tristan da Cunha remains in isolation and is classified as a probable case pending lab confirmation.
Seventy-five contacts have been identified in South Africa, with 42 traced and under monitoring. Public health officials are investigating the source of exposure, including travel history and potential rodent contact. WHO has shared technical guidance on outbreak management, case investigation, and passenger disembarkation. The organisation assessed the global risk as low but continues to monitor the situation. Passengers who shared a flight from Saint Helena to South Africa with a confirmed case have been contacted.
