WHO probes possible human-to-human hantavirus spread on stranded cruise ship

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is investigating a potential human-to-human transmission of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has resulted in the deaths of three passengers and left several others ill.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com dated May 6, 2026, the hantavirus typically spreads from rodents to humans.

However, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove from the WHO stated that the close contact among passengers cannot rule out the possibility of person-to-person transmission.

"The risk to the general public is low," she stated.

Meanwhile, the outbreak has claimed the lives of a Dutch couple and a German national.

Currently, two cases have been confirmed, and five more cases suspected to be linked to hantavirus.

A British national is in intensive care in South Africa, and two crew members are exhibiting acute respiratory symptoms.

"This is not a virus that spreads like the flu or COVID-19," she added.

Two specialised aircraft are being deployed to evacuate symptomatic crew members and a person linked to the German passenger back to the Netherlands.

The MV Hondius, which has 148 people on board, including 17 Americans, remains anchored off Cape Verde after being denied permission to dock.

Once the medical evacuations are complete, the ship plans to sail to the Canary Islands.

The MV Hondius departed from Argentina on April 1, 2026, and visited Antarctica and remote islands, where experts believe the initial infections may have occurred.

Passengers are currently under strict quarantine as the Spanish Health Ministry prepares to send epidemiologists for disinfection and investigation.

NAD/VPO

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