A cruise ship at the centre of a suspected hantavirus outbreak is set to sail to the Canary Islands, where Spain will receive it “in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles,” its health ministry has confirmed.
Ship to Reposition After Medical Evacuation
The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius is currently off the coast of Cape Verde, where a medical evacuation of a British crew member, a Dutch colleague, and a passenger is expected to take place. Operator Oceanwide Expeditions stated that three individuals—two requiring urgent care and one associated with a guest who died on 2 May—will be evacuated to the Netherlands.
Following the evacuation, the vessel will begin a three-day repositioning voyage to the Canary Islands, with all passengers remaining on board.
The Spanish health ministry explained: “The World Health Organization has confirmed that Cape Verde is unable to carry out this operation. The Canary Islands are the closest location with the necessary capabilities. Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are also several Spanish citizens.”
Seven Cases Identified, Including Three Deaths
Global health authorities have reported a total of seven suspected hantavirus cases on the MV Hondius, including three fatalities. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the risk to global health remains low, although there is evidence of possible human-to-human transmission among close contacts.
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, said: “As of today, seven individuals of the 147 passengers and crew have been reported ill; sadly, three have died. One patient is in intensive care in South Africa, although we understand this patient is improving. Two patients are still on board and are being prepared for medical evacuation to the Netherlands for treatment.”
She added: “The initial patient and his wife joined the boat in Argentina. With the timing of the incubation period of hantavirus—which can be anywhere from one to six weeks—our assumption is that they were infected off the ship, perhaps during activities such as bird watching or wildlife observation. However, we do believe there may be some human-to-human transmission among close contacts, such as husband and wife or cabin mates. We are working with the ship to ensure anyone symptomatic or caring for patients wears full personal protective equipment.”
Background and Symptoms
Hantavirus is a rare, rodent-borne infection typically spread through urine, droppings, or saliva. Symptoms begin with fever and chills and can escalate rapidly to severe respiratory illness. There is no specific cure, but early medical intervention improves survival chances.
The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and was due to arrive in Cape Verde on 4 May. Officials in Argentina confirmed no passengers showed symptoms at departure. Symptoms can appear up to eight weeks after exposure.
Professor Mark Fielder, medical microbiologist at Kingston University London, commented: “With stringent infection control measures on board, it is likely that further ongoing transmission will be limited. Once the ship docks, remaining passengers and crew will be medically assessed and likely placed in quarantine for monitoring.”
Passenger Accounts and Response
American travel blogger Jake Rosmarin, who is aboard the ship, shared a tearful Instagram video describing the uncertainty. He later defended the vessel’s cleanliness, stating it is “maintained to a very high standard.” He told The Independent that aside from the confirmed cases, passengers are “doing well” and remain “in good spirits.”
In South Africa, authorities have begun contact tracing, but officials emphasise the public health threat is low.
