A suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus infection on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three people, including an elderly married couple, and sickened at least three others, according to the World Health Organization and South Africa's Department of Health.
The outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged polar cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel departed Argentina roughly three weeks ago for a cruise including Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, and is now anchored off Cape Verde.
The first victim, a 70-year-old Dutch man, died on the ship. His body was removed in Saint Helena, a British territory. His wife collapsed at a South African airport and later died. A third victim remains onboard. At least three others are ill, including a British national in intensive care in Johannesburg and two crew members awaiting medical evacuation.
The WHO confirmed at least one case of hantavirus, which is spread via rodent urine or feces. The agency stated the risk to the wider public remains low, with no need for travel restrictions. Hantavirus can cause severe lung or kidney disease and has no specific treatment, though early care improves survival odds.
Local health authorities have visited the vessel to assess the two symptomatic crew members, but have not yet allowed anyone to disembark. WHO is conducting a full public health risk assessment.