Three dead after suspected hantavirus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship, confirms WHO
Rare rodent-borne infection triggers investigation on ocean voyage
DUBAI – Three people have died following a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise vessel sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The global health body confirmed that one case has been laboratory verified, while five additional cases remain under investigation. Among the six affected individuals, one patient is currently receiving intensive care in South Africa.
The outbreak was reported aboard the MV Hondius, a polar cruise ship travelling between Argentina and Cape Verde. WHO said detailed epidemiological investigations and further laboratory testing are under way, alongside genetic sequencing of the virus. Medical care and support are being provided to both passengers and crew as authorities work to determine the source and extent of the infection.
WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died… pic.twitter.com/SqMAAZzoID
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 3, 2026
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses carried primarily by rodents, including mice, rats and voles, which act as natural reservoirs. There are at least 38 recognised species globally, with around 24 known to cause disease in humans. Infections are considered rare and are often misdiagnosed, particularly in tropical regions where symptoms overlap with other illnesses.
The virus is typically transmitted through contact with or inhalation of particles from infected rodent urine, faeces or saliva. While human-to-human transmission is possible in rare cases, experts note that it does not spread easily between people in the way respiratory viruses do.
Symptoms and treatment
Hantavirus infections can present with a wide range of symptoms, often beginning with fever, fatigue and muscle aches, making early detection difficult. In more severe cases, it can lead to two major conditions: haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which affects the kidneys, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which impacts the lungs and can rapidly progress to respiratory failure.
The incubation period can range from one to eight weeks, adding to the challenge of identifying the source of infection. Investigators are exploring several possibilities in the cruise ship outbreak, including rodent contamination on board or prior exposure during land-based excursions.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus. Patients are typically managed with supportive care, including oxygen therapy, fluid management and, in severe cases, mechanical ventilation. Fatality rates vary, ranging from 1 to 15 percent for some strains, while more severe forms can reach around 40 percent.