A fatal outbreak of the uncommon hantavirus occurred during a voyage on a cruise ship that traveled from Argentina to Antarctica and then across the Atlantic Ocean. The cruise ship made stops at or near remote islands along the way, where both passengers and crew members became ill. This information was provided by the cruise operator, the World Health Organization, and ship tracking data.
The onset of hantavirus infections was confirmed after an elderly Dutch man fell ill and passed away in the South Atlantic, with laboratory tests conducted over 3,500 kilometers away in South Africa. To date, three passengers have died, one is receiving intensive care in a South African hospital, and three others were evacuated from the ship. Additionally, a man who disembarked earlier in the voyage tested positive in Switzerland.
As of the latest update on Monday, the World Health Organization and local health ministries have confirmed six cases of hantavirus. The virus typically spreads through inhaling contaminated rodent droppings and can also transmit from person to person, albeit rarely, according to the WHO.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the overall public health risk from the outbreak remains low. He acknowledged that there may be additional cases due to the virus’s extended incubation period and reports of other patients. Contact tracing efforts are currently underway.
The cruise ship, MV Hondius, embarked from southern Argentina on April 1. The first reported illness was on April 6 when a 70-year-old Dutch man experienced symptoms. Tragically, he passed away on April 11 due to respiratory distress. The ship continued its journey, making stops at various islands, including Tristan da Cunha and St. Helena.
Subsequent deaths and infections occurred as the ship progressed, leading to evacuations and medical interventions. The British man and German woman were among the casualties, with positive hantavirus results confirmed in South Africa.
WHO initiated an investigation into the suspected hantavirus outbreak on the ship, which had reached Cape Verde waters. The ship was ultimately redirected to the Canary Islands, where passengers and crew members underwent isolation measures similar to those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By May 7, five of the eight suspected hantavirus cases had been confirmed. Health authorities in multiple countries are actively monitoring individuals who disembarked from the cruise ship and tracing potential contacts. Repatriation efforts began, with passengers returning to their home countries for quarantine and further testing.
The successful disembarkation of all guests from the ship was confirmed by Oceanwide Expeditions, with individuals being repatriated to their respective countries. The situation continues to be closely monitored as additional cases are being identified among repatriated passengers.