Cruise ship - Hantavirus confirmed in 6 passengers, 2 more probable cases - 3 total cruise deaths (2 confirmed, 1 probable) - May 3+ - Several govs & WHO involved

[sharon sanders]

Two die in 'respiratory illness' outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship


Johannesburg (AFP) – An outbreak of "severe acute respiratory illness" on board a cruise ship in the Atlantic has left at least two people dead, with a third in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa's health ministry told AFP on Sunday.

snip

The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde.

The patient being treated in Johannesburg tested positive for a hantavirus, a family of viruses that can cause hemorrhagic fever, South African spokesperson Foster Mohale said.


snip


A source close to the case speaking on condition of anonymity said the provisional toll was three dead, including a Dutch couple.

more...

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260503-two-die-in-respiratory-illness-outbreak-on-atlantic-cruise-ship

[sharon sanders]

It looks like BBC now has the story. I do not see anything on the South African Department of Health site or the WHO site (yet).

[sharon sanders]

WHO statement in post 5.

[sharon sanders]

snip


One case of Hantavirus has been confirmed, with five more suspected cases under investigation, it said. One British national is reportedly in intensive care.

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/three-die-virus-outbreak-atlantic-183812566.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAfWSnI2pP9CI_Y7O-dF_gd0qkoKfgW_TW6gnk83J_MJ8br5HXGFlHa_c3Tt9u6oTv-4UCNgKtcrMFTqVivqqaBBA1iGBSX-XDajuiB1ltZbwG1jKR-j8zqMy4m3ZvNe_nPQ56gYeStciCbf9nm54q4sDgyZ9ivjq5BdrIc9wLkx

[Michael Coston]

Brief Background on the Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak On A Cruise Ship (ex Argentina)

Note: The newshounds at FluTrackersare following media reports (see thread) of a hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship (MV Hondius, bound from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde), where 2 or 3 passengers have reportedly died, and several more are apparently infected.

While details are scarce, I've prepared a backgrounder on the virus, and what we currently know about today's events.

#19,137

Hantaviruses - which are carried by rodents in many parts of the world - are contracted by humans primarily through the inhalation or ingestion of aerosolized rodent feces, urine, saliva. While relatively uncommon, some of these viruses have demonstrated limited human-to-human transmission.

Some - like Europe's Puumala Virus - produce relatively mild illness, while others like North America's Sin Nombre Virus and the South American Andes Virus can carry a high fatality rate.

In 2019 we closely followed an unusually large outbreak in Argentina where over a period of 3 months, a total of 29 laboratory-confirmed cases of Hanta Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), including 11 deaths - were reported in Epuyén, Chubut Province.

The WHO DON report stated:

The index case had environmental exposure prior to symptom onset on 2 November, and subsequently attended a party on 3 November. Six cases who also attended the party experienced the onset of symptoms between 20-27 November 2018.

An additional 17 cases, all of whom were epidemiologically-linked to previously confirmed cases, experienced symptom onset between 7 December 2018 and 3 January 2019 (Figure 1). Potential human-to-human transmission is currently under investigation.

In that outbreak, the incubation period ran from 8 to 31 days. The CDC notes incubation can run anywhere from 1 to 5 weeks, and some studies have suggested up to 8 weeks.

Hantavirus in humans is almost always a dead-end infection, but in recent years the Andes virus (ANDV) has garnered a reputation for being a bit of an outlier.

Following the above outbreak, the NEJM published “Super-Spreaders” and Person-to-Person Transmission of Andes Virus in Argentina, which warned: ANDV Epuyén/18−19 strain shows a facility (R>2) for sustaining continuous chains of transmission if no control measures are enforced.

While we don't know if this hantavirus is the ANDV Epuyén/18−19 strain, the fact that it appears to have infected 5 or 6 passengers is a concern.

The ship in question (HV Honidus) reportedly carries up to 174 passengers, and 74 crew, and departed Argentina in early April. This ship appears to have been on a `polar exploration cruise', then proceeding on to South Africa and Cape Verde.

While we don't have a solid timeline, according to media reports, in late April a 70 y.o. passenger died on board, and his 69 y.o. wife subsequently fell ill (she reportedly died in a Johannesburg hospital).

A third passenger has reportedly died (unconfirmed), and 3 more passengers are supposedly sick (1 hospitalized in Johannesburg),while two are in isolation awaiting the next port.

Given this is Sunday, there's very little in the way of official confirmation of these reports. Hopefully we'll get more details in the next day or two.

While more cases are possible - with appropriate control measures, this outbreak should be manageable - although the long incubation period will certainly complicate matters.

For more on hantaviruses, you may wish to revisit:

Two Recent Studies On the Host Range of Hantaviruses In the United States

California: Mono County Reports 3rd Hantavirus Death

EID Journal: Experimental Infection of Peromyscus Species Rodents with Sin Nombre Virus

MMWR: A Little Bit Of Seoul (Virus)

.

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/05/brief-background-on-suspected.html

[sharon sanders]

hat tip @2GPcMplIhsKgqRl

[sharon sanders]

Please see:


Argentina: 2026 Hantavirus

Argentina: 2025 Hantavirus

[kiwibird]

"Human to human transmission is very rare, in fact in the medical literature people have argued whether it's real or not," she said.

"The question is - is this a group of people who have been exposed to infected rodents, or has one person been exposed and then is transmitting to others?"

Wiles said food could have been contaminated with hantavirus.

She said the time between people being exposed to hantavirus and showing symptoms could be anywhere from one to eight weeks.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cjrzp08wx4vt

[Michael Coston]

WHO Statement On Hantavirus Cases Aboard Cruise Ship






#19,138

While we await further details on the (suspected) Hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic (see yesterday's blog), we have the following brief statement by the World Health Organization.




As of this posting, no DON has been published on this event, and that may not come for several days. Sequencing of the virus will not only tell us more about its origin (is it the Andes strain?), it could also help define transmission dynamics aboard ship.

While the WHO's messaging remains low-key, they are obviously taking this outbreak seriously, as they have notified their NFPs (National Focal Points) according to the IHR regulations.

The BBC this morning is reporting that local authorities will not permit passengers to leave the ship in Cape Verde in order `to protect the public'. It is not clear where or when the passengers will be allowed to disembark.

Although human-to-human spread of the Andes virus has been documented (see EID Journal), the Andes Virus is not believed to transmit as easily as COVID, influenza, and many other respiratory viruses.

Transmission likely requires close, prolonged exposure to respiratory droplets or other bodily fluids.

But there is still much we don't know about this virus, including its ability to spread asymptomatically.

Studies have suggested (see Serological Evidence of Hantavirus Infection in Apparently Healthy People from Rural and Slum Communities in Southern Chile) that at least some infections are mild or asymptomatic.

A more recent 2025 study (see Virological characterization of a new isolated strain of Andes virus . . .), published in PloS NTD reported:

In this work, we described the isolation of the strain responsible for the largest ANDV PTP transmission outbreak, which occurred in the small town of Epuyén and began on November 2, 2018. This strain, ARG-Epuyén, exhibited a high capacity for PTP transmission, necessitating the implementation of quarantine measures to curtail further spread [8].

The median reproductive number (the mean number of secondary cases caused by an infected person) was 2.12 before control measures were implemented and subsequently dropped to below 1.0 by late January.

Early intervention allowed for the collection of samples leading to the isolation of this new ANDV strain from an asymptomatic case. An early passage of this strain was sequenced, revealing only one amino acid difference from the virus recovered from the patient. Like the Andes/ARG strain, this strain was able to grow in a new host without needing adaptation [26].

All reasons why public health officials will want to proceed cautiously as they work to contain this outbreak.

https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2026/05/who-statement-on-hantavirus-cases.html

[sharon sanders]

h/t Jason Gale at Bloomberg via email


snip


Two crew members also require urgent medical care,
according to the ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions BV. As
of 11 p.m. Central European Time on May 3, Cape Verdean
authorities had yet to approve disembarkation for sick
passengers or wider medical screening, the Dutch company said.

[Pathfinder]

Company news release:

Operational Update: Medical Situation Aboard m/v Hondius


by Oceanwide Expeditions News 03.05.2026

Oceanwide Expeditions is currently managing a serious medical situation on board the vessel m/v Hondius, located off the coast of Cape Verde.

During this voyage, three passengers have passed away. In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members on board require urgent medical care.

As of 23:00 hrs CET on 3 May 2026, no authorization from Cape Verdean authorities has been given to disembark guests requiring medical care or to support with medical screening. Local health authorities have visited the vessel to assess the condition of the two symptomatic individuals. They are yet to make a decision regarding the transfer of these individuals into medical care in Cape Verde. The priority of Oceanwide Expeditions is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive adequate and expedited medical care.

Dutch authorities have agreed to lead a joint effort in organizing the repatriation of the two symptomatic individuals on board m/v Hondius from Cape Verde to the Netherlands. The body of the deceased individual is also planned to be included in this repatriation, along with a guest closely associated with the deceased. This individual is not symptomatic. This repatriation depends on many factors, including the authorization and support of local Cape Verdean health authorities for the transfer of individuals requiring medical attention from m/v Hondius.

We are in close contact with those directly affected and their families and are providing support where possible.

The health and safety of all passengers and crew is our highest priority. Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including WHO, RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Disembarkation and medical screening of all guests require coordination with local health authorities, and we are in close consultation with them.

We are currently establishing the full facts and working on appropriate medical care, screening, and next steps. We will provide a further update as soon as more information becomes available.

All media inquiries should be directed to:

Kiki Hirschfeldt

Coebergh Communicatie & PR

kiki@coebergh.nl

+31 6 18514026

https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/operational-update-medical-situation-aboard-m-v-hondius

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

Ministry of Health's Post

---

Ministry of Health
2h ·

·
**Health Authorities Monitor Situation of Cruise Ship MV/NV *Hondius* Following Onboard Hantavirus Outbreak**

The Ministry of Health reports that it has been monitoring—since the very first moment—the situation regarding the cruise ship MV/NV *Hondius*, which entered Cape Verdean waters on May 3.

This monitoring began following a notification from international health entities regarding an outbreak of respiratory illness on board, involving severe cases and fatalities.

Following a technical and epidemiological assessment, national health authorities decided **not to authorize the vessel's docking at the Port of Praia.** This decision was made in application of the precautionary principle and in accordance with the International Health Regulations, with the aim of protecting national public health.

The vessel is carrying **147 people**, comprising both passengers and crew members. Of this total, three individuals are presenting symptoms; they have been duly evaluated and attended to by a health team and are currently clinically stable.

Since then, the ship has remained at sea under the constant monitoring of health authorities. Necessary medical assistance is being provided by a team deployed for this purpose—comprising medical specialists, nurses, and laboratory technicians—and hospital response measures have also been prepared to address any potential need for specialized care at the Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital.

The situation is being duly monitored through coordinated efforts involving the National Directorate of Health, local health structures, the INSP, and maritime and port authorities, with support from WHO Cabo Verde/AFRO, IHR Focal Points, and authorities from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

This coordinated approach has enabled a swift, safe, and technically appropriate response, ensuring the clinical monitoring of patients and the preparation of all necessary precautionary measures—including the potential medical evacuation by air ambulance of the patients currently under observation.

We wish to assure the public that the situation is under control, and that, to date, there poses no risk to the population on land. We remain vigilant and in close coordination with national and international entities, ready to adopt any additional measures that may prove necessary.

Updates will be provided as the situation evolves. The National Health Directorate appeals for calm and reaffirms its commitment to transparency, safety, and the protection of everyone's health.

**What is Hantavirus?**

Hantavirus is an acute and severe infectious disease transmitted by wild rodents (rats). Caused by viruses of the genus *Orthohantavirus*, infection occurs primarily through the inhalation of particles from the urine, feces, or saliva of these rodents; it can progress to Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (severe shortness of breath) or, less commonly, renal syndromes.

The inhalation of contaminated particles—for example, while cleaning spaces where rodents are present—is one of the most common modes of infection.

**Other modes of transmission to humans include:**
👉 Percutaneous transmission: through skin abrasions or rodent bites;
👉 Contact between the virus and mucous membranes (conjunctiva, mouth, or nose): via hands contaminated with rodent excretions;
👉 Person-to-person transmission: reported sporadically in Argentina and Chile, always associated with the Andes hantavirus.

The period of hantavirus transmissibility in humans is unknown. Studies suggest that the period of highest viremia occurs during the few days immediately preceding the onset of signs and symptoms.

The virus's incubation period—that is, the time elapsed between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms—averages 1 to 5 weeks, ranging from 3 to 60 days.

The initial signs of infection are often mistaken for the flu: fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. In some cases, headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems also occur.

However, the disease can progress rapidly. Within a few days, more severe symptoms emerge—such as coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid accumulation in the lungs—which can lead to severe respiratory difficulties.

https://www.facebook.com/ministeriosaude/posts/pfbid028pexovK9XFzfkp2JP8UKJjmWGcNM5vAVRhiCPBkBQEfsAYB8xFGTPufciaMq9z4El

[Pathfinder]

• 4 May 2026

Suspected Hantavirus on MV Hondius

The public are advised that the Health and Social Care Portfolio have become aware of an evolving situation regarding a severe illness, affecting several passengers on the expedition vessel MV Hondius which recently visited St Helena between 22-24 April 2026.

The suspected cause is hantavirus, which is usually spread through contact with infected rodents, but may eventually pass from person-to-person. Symptoms can include fever, extreme fatigue (feeling more tired than usual), muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or shortness of breath. Some people may develop severe breathing difficulty requiring hospital care.

Two passengers with minor symptoms came ashore and may have had some contact with members of our local community.

While the virus can be serious, no cases of this illness have been identified in St Helena and there is no significant cause for concern on the island at this time.

Public Health is working closely with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and other international partners to assess and manage the situation. A small number of people who travelled to St Helena on the MV Hondius or had very close contact with those who were showing symptoms, are being advised by Public Health to undertake a period of self-isolation as a precaution. St Helena Government (SHG) will provide full support to those who are asked to do so. A full risk-based contact tracing process is underway to identify and notify such persons.

The risk to the wider community is low and no additional precautions are necessary at this time. However out of the abundance of caution, should you experience a significant fever (>38°C), then you should contact the hospital on tele No 22500 for advice, but please DO NOT attend in person at the first instance.

For frequently asked questions about hantavirus, please visit: Hantavirus FAQ’s

The public are thanked for their support and cooperation during this time. Further updates will be provided on a regular basis.

#StHelena Hantavirus #MVHondius

www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt

https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/suspected-hantavirus-on-mv-hondius/

[Pathfinder]

Call for calm as Hantavirus case confirmed

Monday, May 4, 2026

The Department of Health (DoH) has called for public calm following confirmation of a rare Hantavirus case in a critically ill British national in South Africa.

The patient was a passenger aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was travelling to the Canary Islands via Cape Verde from Argentina.

The ship was carrying some 150 passengers and went past several islands, including mainland Antarctica, Falklands, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan, St Helena and Ascension.

“Despite medical treatment provided to him at Ascension, his condition did not improve and necessitated his medical evacuation to a South African private health facility in Sandton for further medical management.

“His laboratory test results came back positive for Hantavirus – a rare but potentially deadly virus transmitted primarily by rodents. The patient is still in critical condition in isolation but receiving medical attention,” the department stated.

Two other passengers, a husband and wife, also experienced medical emergencies.

“While the ship was travelling past South African shores, some of the passengers experienced serious health complications arising from what was initially considered severe acute respiratory infections.

“[The] first patient was a 70-year-old male passenger who suddenly became ill on the ship en route from Ushuaia to St Helena Island, and presented with fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. Unfortunately, he passed away on arrival at St Helena Island. His mortal remains are in St Helena, awaiting repatriation to the Netherlands.

“The second affected passenger was of a 69-year-old female, the spouse of the first patient, who collapsed at the OR Tambo International Airport while trying to connect a flight to her home country of the Netherlands. She was taken to a nearby health facility around Kempton Park for medical attention and, unfortunately, passed away. Laboratory test results for the patient are outstanding,” the department explained.

The DoH is working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Gauteng Health Department authorities to “conduct contact tracing to stop potential spread of the virus by identifying and monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to the infected persons”.

“In our view, there is no need for the public to panic because only two patients from the cruise ship have been within our borders.

“The World Health Organization is coordinating a multi-country response with all affected islands and countries to contain further spread of the disease,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/call-calm-hantavirus-case-confirmed

[Pathfinder]

The Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) updated its general Hantavirus page today:

Translation Google



Modification date 04-05-2026 | 15:35

Hantavirus infections are diseases caused by hantaviruses (officially: orthohantaviruses). There are different types of (ortho)hantaviruses. Mice and rats, in particular, can carry these viruses. They can transmit the virus to humans. This happens very rarely in the Netherlands.

Which types of (ortho)hantaviruses occur in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, three types of (ortho)hantaviruses occur that can cause disease in humans. These are transmitted to humans by various species of rodents:

• Puumalavirus originating from bank voles.
• Seoul virus originating from (domesticated) rats.
• Tula virus from field mice.

How do I recognize (ortho)hantavirus?

Of the three hantaviruses found in the Netherlands, most people do not become ill. In 90% of cases, a person experiences no symptoms. If someone does become ill, the symptoms often resemble the flu. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the virus and the individual.

In the Netherlands, infection by the Puumalavirus is the most common. Usually, people do not become ill from this virus. If people do become ill, the symptoms are usually mild, such as:

• muscle pain
• headache
• fever
• nausea

Sometimes people become more seriously ill. The kidneys or liver can then become mildly inflamed. A person may then experience:

• high fever
• yield
• pain in the stomach and side
• unable to see well

People usually do not get sick from the Seoul virus either . Or they develop mild, flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, more serious symptoms can develop, such as liver inflammation, weakened leg muscles, and lower back pain. Very rarely, the Seoul virus can lead to kidney failure or fever with internal bleeding.

Little is known about the Tulavirus in humans. There is only one known case of a 12-year-old boy in Switzerland who was bitten by a rodent. He developed a fever, a nail disease, and a skin rash.

Some hantaviruses have a more severe course

Other hantaviruses also occur in the rest of Europe. In most cases, these cause similar symptoms. With a variant found in the Balkan countries (the dobrava virus), the more severe course of the disease is seen more frequently. The mortality rate from hantaviruses occurring in Europe is very low (less than 1%).

Some (ortho)hantaviruses found in North and South America can cause more severe illness. An example is the Andean virus. With this virus, people can develop high fever and respiratory problems. Later, this can lead to severe lung problems and heart failure. 30-50% of people can die from this. These hantaviruses do not occur outside North and South America.

How do I get an (ortho)hantavirus infection?

(Ortho)hantaviruses are spread by rodents. They do not become ill from these viruses themselves, but they can infect other rodents and humans. Even rodents that appear healthy can carry the virus.

The viruses are found in the feces, urine, and saliva of infected rodents. The viruses can survive in these substances for up to two weeks, even after the feces, urine, or saliva has dried. This creates dust particles (aerosols) that can become airborne. When people inhale these dust particles, they can contract the virus. This can happen when someone sweeps the floor in a shed, but also, for example, in (or near) a forest, meadow, campsite, or garden.

People can also contract the virus through a bite from an infected rodent or by eating food contaminated by rodents.

The time between becoming infected and becoming ill varies by the type of virus and can range from a few days to sixty days. Usually, this takes two to four weeks.
Have you had an (ortho)hantavirus infection? If so, you have built up antibodies against the type of (ortho)hantavirus that made you ill. However, you can still contract other types of (ortho)hantavirus.

Is the hantavirus transmissible from human to human?

Anyone can get (ortho)hantavirus, although the chance is very small. Some people are more likely to become ill from (ortho)hantavirus:

• People who work in the forest or live close to a forest or meadows.
• Farmers
• People who enter a space where there are or have been many mice or rats. For example, old houses, barns, or holiday cottages that have not been used for a while.
• People who keep rats or frequently come into contact with (domesticated) rats.
• People who have frequent (professional) contact with rats and mice or their urine/feces are at increased risk of becoming ill. Additional measures apply to them to prevent illness: See: Points to consider when working with wild rats(external link).

Adults become (severely) ill from (ortho)hantavirus infections more often than children.

How do I prevent (ortho)hantavirus?

There is no vaccine against (ortho)hantaviruses.

You can prevent (ortho)hantavirus infections by staying away from rodents and their hiding places. Always store food scraps properly, for example in sealed containers, so that pests are not attracted to them.

Mouse and rat holes may be present in rooms that have been closed off for a long time. Ventilate these rooms well. Open the windows and doors opposite each other for at least half an hour and leave the room yourself.

If you do find a mouse or rat nest, droppings, or dead rats or mice in your home, remove everything with a damp cloth, put it in a garbage bag, and tie it shut. You can dispose of this garbage bag with your household waste. Always wear gloves when touching dead animals, droppings, or nest remains.

After removing everything, clean the area thoroughly with soapy water. Then, disinfect the area well with a solution of 250 ml bleach in 10 liters of water. Let this soak for 5 minutes and then rinse it away with water.

It is best to wet nests, droppings, and dead animals that you find outside before removing them.

Please note: never use a vacuum cleaner or broom to clean up nests, droppings, or dead animals. This disperses the dust, which can actually cause the virus to spread.

Is (ortho)hantavirus treatable?

People with (ortho)hantavirus infections usually recover completely on their own. Sometimes this can take a few weeks. If the kidneys are no longer functioning properly, hospitalization is necessary.

How often does (ortho)hantavirus occur in the Netherlands?

(Ortho)hantaviruses occur worldwide. The species found in Europe cause hundreds of deaths per year. In the Netherlands, a diagnosis of (ortho)hantavirus infection is made occasionally . The species of (ortho)hantaviruses found in the Netherlands are Puumalavirus, Tulavirus, and Seoulvirus. Puumalavirus is the most common and also causes the most deaths. In most cases, infections with Puumalavirus cause no symptoms. One in 10 infected people develops symptoms. The course of the disease is relatively mild. Often, it involves only flu-like symptoms (muscle pain, headache, fever, nausea), but an (ortho)hantavirus infection can also be more severe. Hospitalization is necessary when acute renal failure occurs.

Can someone with hantavirus go to childcare, school, or work?

The chance of people infecting each other is negligibly small. Someone who has an (ortho)hantavirus infection and feels well may go to work, childcare, or school as usual.
...

https://www.rivm.nl/hantavirusinfectie

[Michael Coston]

Media Statement From South African MOH

https://www.facebook.com/ministeriosaude