African health authorities are on alert after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a Netherlands-operated cruise ship off Cabo Verde left three people dead and several others ill.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that one of the affected passengers is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, while efforts continue to coordinate a medical response involving multiple countries.
The outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius, a polar expedition vessel operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, which is currently stationed off Cabo Verde.
The cruise departed from Argentina around three weeks ago with approximately 150 passengers, travelling through Antarctica and other remote regions before heading towards West Africa.
Repatriation efforts
A spokesperson for the Dutch Foreign Ministry confirmed that two Dutch nationals are among the dead but did not release further details.
WHO says Dutch officials are now working to arrange the repatriation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as the return of a deceased individual.
The WHO adds it is coordinating international efforts to manage the outbreak and prevent further spread.
“WHO is facilitating coordination between member states and the ship’s operators for medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, as well as full public health risk assessment and support to the remaining passengers on board,” the agency said.
What is hantavirus?
Health experts warn that hantavirus, a rodent-borne disease, can cause severe respiratory illness. It is typically transmitted when particles from rodent urine or droppings become airborne. While human-to-human transmission is rare, it remains possible in certain cases.
The illness usually begins with flu-like symptoms but can rapidly escalate to heart and lung failure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus has a fatality rate of around 40%.
There is currently no specific treatment for hantavirus, with care focused on managing symptoms, including respiratory support in severe cases.
The WHO has confirmed that laboratory tests have detected hantavirus in one of the six affected individuals, while at least five additional suspected cases remain under investigation.
Further testing and genetic sequencing are ongoing to determine the exact strain involved in the outbreak.
