Health authorities have confirmed and suspected multiple cases of the deadly hantavirus aboard a luxury cruise ship stranded in the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Verde, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Read More: Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship leaves three dead
In its latest update, the WHO said two infections have been confirmed while five additional cases remain suspected among passengers on the MV Hondius. The ship, carrying around 150 people, is currently held off the West African coast and is unable to dock as investigations continue.
#Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel:
Since 1 April when the boat set sail, of the 147 passengers and crew, 7 people have become ill, among whom 3 have died, 1 is critically ill and 3 are reporting mild symptoms.Based on the current information, including how… pic.twitter.com/KDKwmrNeBt
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 5, 2026
The outbreak has already been linked to three deaths, including passengers from the Netherlands and Germany, while one British passenger was medically evacuated and is receiving treatment in South Africa after testing positive for the virus.
The cruise, which departed from Argentina in March on an Antarctic expedition route, included passengers mainly from the United Kingdom, United States, and Spain. The vessel had visited remote locations in the South Atlantic, including Tristan da Cunha, before the outbreak was detected.
According to WHO, hantavirus is typically transmitted from infected rodents to humans and does not usually spread between people, meaning the risk to the wider public remains low. However, authorities are conducting contact tracing for individuals who may have been exposed during a flight connected to one of the deceased passengers.
Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and are occasionally transmitted to humans.
WHO factsheet on #hantavirus https://t.co/iRNXmhlJsd pic.twitter.com/SFp3FIDLpZ
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 4, 2026
The ship’s operator said passengers on board remain calm and that efforts are underway to screen and safely disembark those still on the vessel. Options are being considered to redirect the ship to ports in Spain, including Las Palmas or Tenerife.
Cape Verde authorities have requested that the ship remain offshore as a precaution while health assessments continue. Maritime tracking data shows the vessel has been operating in remote regions of the South Atlantic during its voyage.
Health officials in multiple countries, including South Africa and the Netherlands, have confirmed positive cases linked to passengers from the ship. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and prevent further spread.
Read More: Three ship passengers die in suspected hantavirus outbreak
Despite the serious nature of the outbreak, WHO has stressed that the situation is being closely monitored and the risk to the general population remains limited.