A deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has triggered international concern after dozens of passengers disembarked without contact tracing measures in place. At least three passengers have died, while several others remain ill as authorities across Europe and South Africa scramble to track travelers who left the vessel during a stop on the remote South Atlantic island of St. Helena.
Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that 29 passengers left the ship on April 24, though Dutch officials estimate the number may have been closer to 40. The passengers represented at least 12 nationalities and later traveled to various countries, raising fears about potential spread of the virus. The first confirmed hantavirus case linked to the ship was not identified until May 2, days after passengers had already dispersed internationally.
Health officials say the outbreak involves the rare Andes strain of hantavirus — the only known strain capable of spreading from person to person. The virus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe and potentially fatal respiratory illness. At least five cases connected to the ship have now been confirmed.
The outbreak began after the vessel departed from Argentina, where investigations into the source of infection are ongoing. The first victims, a Dutch couple, had traveled through South America before boarding the cruise. One passenger later tested positive in Switzerland after leaving the ship at St. Helena and flying home.
The ship is currently heading toward Spain’s Canary Islands with more than 140 passengers and crew still on board. Three additional people, including the ship’s doctor, were medically evacuated near Cape Verde for treatment as authorities continue monitoring the evolving public health situation.
