Three Dead In Hantavirus Outbreak Aboard Dutch Cruise Ship MV Hondius

Three people have died and several others have become seriously ill aboard the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius during what health officials believe is a hantavirus outbreak in the Atlantic Ocean.

The ship, which was carrying around 150 passengers and crew members from 23 countries, was denied permission to dock in Cape Verde due to concerns about spreading the virus. The vessel is now expected to head toward Spain’s Canary Islands where passengers will undergo medical screening and treatment.

According to the World Health Organization, there are currently roughly 10 laboratory confirmed hantavirus cases and additional suspected cases linked to the ship. Three passengers have died, including a Dutch couple and a German national. Several others reportedly required emergency medical evacuations for urgent care.

Health officials say the outbreak may involve the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is one of the few known forms capable of limited human to human transmission through close contact. Hantavirus is normally spread through exposure to infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.

Passengers on board have reportedly been instructed to remain inside their cabins while medical teams wearing protective gear continue evaluating the situation. Cape Verde officials said they denied docking permission out of caution and because the country’s healthcare system may not be equipped to handle a major outbreak response.

Spain has since confirmed it will allow the ship to dock in the Canary Islands for humanitarian reasons, where authorities and international health agencies are expected to coordinate testing, treatment, and repatriation efforts.

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