An outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius, a polar-class cruise vessel, has resulted in three passenger deaths and several confirmed cases, drawing global attention as the ship makes its way to the Canary Islands. The outbreak began shortly after the ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on 1 April for a 35-day Atlantic expedition to Cape Verde.
Outbreak Timeline
The first victim, a 70-year-old Dutch man, developed respiratory symptoms on 6 April and died five days later. Initially believed to be natural causes, the situation escalated when his 69-year-old wife also fell ill after disembarking in St Helena and later died. A British man was medically evacuated to South Africa, where hantavirus was identified. An 80-year-old German woman died onboard on 27 April.
Health authorities confirmed the pathogen as hantavirus, a rodent-borne disease with a high mortality rate (up to 50%) for which there is no cure. Human-to-human transmission is rare, but the WHO and other agencies are monitoring closely.
Passengers and Crew in Limbo
The ship, carrying 88 passengers and 61 crew of 23 nationalities, was denied docking in Cape Verde and faced resistance in the Canary Islands. Spain eventually allowed the vessel to anchor off Tenerife, with passengers to be evacuated under strict isolation protocols. Passengers like travel blogger Jake Rosmarin expressed distress and uncertainty, while others downplayed the risk.
Three people were medically evacuated, including British guide Martin Anstee, now stable in a Dutch hospital. A KLM flight attendant also contracted symptoms after contact with a deceased passenger.
Global Response
Health authorities are tracing at least 29 passengers who disembarked in St Helena. UK passengers may face a 45-day self-isolation upon return. The WHO emphasizes that this is not a pandemic threat, but the cruise industry and public health officials remain vigilant.
As the MV Hondius sails toward Tenerife, those onboard face a wary reception, with strict isolation measures to prevent any potential spread.
