The World Health Organization has confirmed a hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, which remains stranded off the coast of Cape Verde with nearly 150 passengers still on board — including four Canadians. Health officials say seven cases have been identified so far, including two laboratory-confirmed infections and five suspected cases. Three deaths have also been linked to the outbreak, while one patient remains critically ill.
Authorities in Cape Verde have refused to allow the vessel to dock as a precautionary measure while investigations continue. The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, had been travelling on an Antarctic expedition voyage that began in Argentina earlier this year. The cruise passed through multiple South Atlantic destinations before reaching Cape Verdean waters on May 3.
According to Global Affairs Canada, consular officials are in contact with local authorities and there are currently no reports that the four Canadians aboard have been directly affected by the virus. Hantavirus is typically spread through exposure to airborne particles from rodent urine or droppings and does not easily spread between humans. There are currently no specific antiviral treatments for the disease, with severe cases requiring supportive care such as ventilators.
The outbreak has sparked concern after a Dutch couple and a German national died during the voyage. Health experts say investigators are now trying to determine whether the infections originated onboard the ship or during earlier stops in South America. Some experts note that certain hantavirus strains found in Argentina and Chile have shown limited human-to-human transmission in the past.
Despite the situation, the WHO says the overall risk to the wider public remains low and there is currently no recommendation for broader travel restrictions. Oceanwide Expeditions says strict precautionary measures remain in place onboard as efforts continue to organize medical evacuations and passenger disembarkation.
