A British crew member is in need of urgent medical care following a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, which is currently stranded off the coast of Cape Verde. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed seven cases of hantavirus, including three deaths, among passengers and crew.
The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed from southern Argentina in March with 149 people from 23 countries on board. According to the WHO, as of 4 May 2026, there have been two laboratory-confirmed cases of hantavirus and five suspected cases. Three people have died: a married couple from the Netherlands and a German national.
A 69-year-old British passenger remains in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa, in critical but stable condition. The cruise operator reported that two crew members—one British and one Dutch—are showing acute respiratory symptoms, with one requiring urgent medical evacuation.
Hantavirus is a rare disease primarily spread through contact with infected rodents' urine or faeces. It can cause severe respiratory illness and death. The exact cause of the outbreak is still under investigation, and strict isolation measures have been implemented on board.
The ship had requested to dock in Cape Verde, but local health authorities denied permission to protect public health. Alternative disembarkation points, such as Las Palmas or Tenerife, are being considered. Passengers have expressed uncertainty and distress over the situation.
