A hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius has raised health concerns after three passengers died during the voyage. The South African health ministry confirmed the identification of the Andes strain of the virus in two evacuees from the ship. The outbreak has affected several individuals, with a total of eight cases reported—three confirmed and five suspected.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the overall public health risk remains low, although it acknowledged the potential for human-to-human transmission associated with the Andes strain. The organization has initiated monitoring for all passengers and crew aboard the MV Hondius, which is currently anchored near Cape Verde. Approximately 150 people remain on the vessel under strict precautionary measures.
Three individuals exhibiting symptoms were evacuated to the Netherlands for medical care, including two crew members and a passenger. Additionally, a Swiss national who had disembarked earlier is receiving treatment in Zurich. The Dutch and German nationals who died while on board are currently being investigated for hantavirus, although no confirmation has been made for the cause of death.
The ship's operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, plans to transport remaining passengers to the Canary Islands, where they will be examined and provided medical care as necessary. However, the President of the Canary Islands has expressed opposition to this plan, citing safety concerns and requesting an urgent meeting with Spain's Prime Minister to discuss the matter.
Efforts are ongoing to trace contacts of confirmed cases, with 42 out of 62 individuals identified so far. Health authorities emphasize that although hantavirus is primarily transmitted by rodents, the risk of wider transmission remains minimal.