Global Response to Hantavirus Outbreak Intensifies
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed six cases of hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, with three fatalities reported. The outbreak has now been connected to more than a dozen countries, prompting international health authorities to take urgent measures to contain the virus.
Confirmed Cases and Fatalities
Of the eight suspected cases, six have been confirmed as hantavirus, according to a WHO press briefing. The deceased include a Dutch couple and a German national. The virus, typically spread by rodents, can in rare instances transmit between humans, the WHO noted. The incubation period, which can extend up to six weeks, raises the possibility of further cases emerging.
Countries Affected
Passengers from at least 12 countries disembarked in St Helena on 24 April, spreading potential exposure globally. Here is a breakdown of the affected nations:
- Argentina: The ship departed from Ushuaia on 1 April. Argentina has reported 101 hantavirus infections since June 2025, double the previous year. Investigations suggest the outbreak may have originated during a bird-watching outing in Ushuaia.
- Cape Verde: The MV Hondius was denied docking and remained anchored off the coast before sailing to the Canary Islands, which also refused docking.
- Netherlands: As the ship's flag state, the Netherlands is coordinating assistance. Thirteen Dutch nationals are on board, including the deceased couple. A Dutch KLM stewardess was hospitalized in Amsterdam after possible exposure.
- United Kingdom: British citizens make up 19 passengers and four crew. One British patient was evacuated to South Africa and is in intensive care. Another, Martin Anstee, is hospitalized in the Netherlands. Twenty-two British nationals are isolating at Arrowe Park Hospital.
- United States: The CDC is monitoring six states for cases. Seventeen US passengers are on board, and two asymptomatic residents are under observation in Georgia and Arizona.
- Denmark: A Danish citizen is self-isolating at home, assessed as low risk.
- Germany: Eight German nationals are on board, including one deceased. An asymptomatic evacuee is undergoing tests in Duesseldorf.
- Philippines: Thirty-eight crew members are from the Philippines, but no cases have been reported there.
- Singapore: Two residents are isolated and awaiting test results; one has mild symptoms.
- South Africa: A Dutch woman died after flying from St Helena to Johannesburg. Health officials identified 62 contacts.
- Spain: The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife, where non-Spanish citizens will be repatriated and 14 Spanish passengers quarantined in Madrid.
- Switzerland: A patient tested positive for the Andes strain and is stable; his wife is self-isolating.
- France: One French citizen who had contact with an ill person is asymptomatic.
Public Health Response
The WHO maintains that the broader public health threat remains low, but countries are tracking passengers who disembarked before the outbreak was detected. The incubation period could lead to additional cases, health officials warn.
