Cruise ship outbreak leaves 3 dead as officials delay medical evacuations and probe hantavirus threat

A suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship successful nan Atlantic Ocean has near 3 group dormant and respective others ill, nan World Health Organization (WHO) said successful a connection posted to X.

The U.N. wellness agency said 1 lawsuit of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, while 5 further suspected cases are pending. Of nan six group affected, 3 person died and 1 is presently successful intensive attraction successful South Africa.

The WHO said it is coordinating pinch governments and nan ship’s usability to put nan aesculapian removal of 2 symptomatic passengers, while continuing to measure nan nationalist wellness consequence to those still connected board.

"Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations," nan WHO said. "Medical attraction and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of nan microorganism is besides ongoing."

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The cruise vessel MV Hondius is stationary disconnected nan larboard of Praia, Cape Verde, connected May 3, 2026. An outbreak of terrible acute respiratory unwellness connected committee nan vessel has resulted successful 2 deaths and 1 diligent successful intensive attraction successful Johannesburg, South Africa. The diligent tested affirmative for hantavirus, according to South African wellness officials. (AFP/Getty Images)

The outbreak is linked to nan m/v Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise vessel sailing successful nan Atlantic Ocean disconnected nan seashore of West Africa.

Oceanwide Expeditions, which operates nan vessel, confirmed that 3 passengers died during nan voyage and that 1 rider is being treated successful intensive attraction successful Johannesburg.

Two unit members connected committee besides require urgent aesculapian care, nan institution said.

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The cruise vessel MV Hondius is stationary disconnected nan larboard of Praia, Cape Verde, connected May 3, 2026, amid an outbreak of terrible acute respiratory unwellness that has caused 2 deaths and near a 3rd diligent successful intensive attraction successful Johannesburg, South Africa. The diligent tested affirmative for hantavirus, according to South African wellness officials. (AFP via Getty Images)

As of precocious Sunday, authorities successful Cape Verde had not authorized nan disembarkation of passengers requiring medical treatment aliases broader aesculapian screening, according to nan company.

Local wellness officials person boarded nan alloy to measure nan business but person not yet approved nan transportation of symptomatic individuals to accommodation connected land.

"The privilege of Oceanwide Expeditions is to guarantee that nan 2 symptomatic individuals connected committee person capable and expedited aesculapian care," nan institution said.

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A 3D illustration shows nan building of hantavirus, an RNA microorganism transmitted to humans done rodent excreta that tin origin terrible illnesses including hemorrhagic fever, renal disease, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. (iStock)

Dutch authorities are moving to coordinate nan repatriation of those affected from Cape Verde to nan Netherlands, though nan effort depends connected support from section officials, Oceanwide Expeditions said. 

Hantavirus infections are typically linked to vulnerability to infected rodents’ urine aliases feces and tin lead to terrible respiratory illness.

"While rare, hantavirus whitethorn dispersed betwixt people, and tin lead to terrible respiratory unwellness and requires observant diligent monitoring, support and response," WHO said.

There is nary circumstantial cure for nan virus, though early curen tin amended survival.

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WHO said it has notified world wellness authorities nether world regulations and is continuing to support nan response.

"We are presently establishing nan afloat facts and moving connected due aesculapian care, screening, and adjacent steps," Oceanwide Expeditions said.