The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that human-to-human transmission of hantavirus may have occurred aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, where three passengers have tragically died. This development marks a significant concern, as the virus typically spreads from rodents.
While hantavirus is commonly transmitted from infected rodents, the WHO suggests that in this specific incident on the MV Hondius, the virus could have spread among “very close contacts” within the vessel.
Despite this potential shift in transmission, the WHO has underscored that the broader public risk remains low, aiming to mitigate widespread alarm.
In response to the unfolding situation, the ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, announced that two crew members—one British and one Dutch national—are scheduled for aerial evacuation to the Netherlands after exhibiting “acute respiratory symptoms.”
Furthermore, an individual who had close contact with a deceased German national is also slated for evacuation, highlighting a cautious approach to potential exposure.
The MV Hondius commenced its voyage from Argentina approximately a month ago, traversing the Atlantic Ocean. Currently, the vessel is anchored near Cape Verde, in the waters west of Africa, as authorities manage the health crisis.
Medical teams from Cape Verde, supported by the WHO, have boarded the cruise ship to assist in managing the suspected cases. WHO spokesperson Tarik Yasarevic confirmed to the BBC that comprehensive testing is underway for other passengers and crew members presenting symptoms.
Visual evidence from the cruise ship shows officers donned in hazmat suits on a smaller vessel alongside the MV Hondius, underscoring the serious nature of the on-board response.
A total of 149 individuals from 23 different countries remain on board the MV Hondius, observing “strict precautionary measures” as communicated by Oceanwide Expeditions, reflecting a concerted effort to contain any further spread.
Beyond the crew members designated for evacuation, 22 other UK nationals are present on the ship, adding to the diverse international cohort affected by the situation.
“We do believe that there may have been human-to-human transmission that occurred among very close contacts,” stated Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, a WHO official, directly addressing the unusual mode of spread. She further speculated that the initial individual to fall ill likely contracted the virus prior to boarding the cruise ship.
To date, seven cases of hantavirus have been identified, according to the WHO: two confirmed and five suspected. The confirmed cases include a Dutch woman, who was among those who died, and a 69-year-old UK national who was medically evacuated to South Africa for urgent treatment.
The Dutch woman’s husband also passed away, though his case has not been confirmed as hantavirus, nor has that of the German national who died on May 2.
In a poignant statement, the family of the Dutch couple expressed their profound grief, saying, “The beautiful journey they had together was suddenly and forever interrupted. We still cannot comprehend that we have lost them. We hope to bring them home and remember them in peace and privacy.”
Investigators are proceeding under the assumption that the Andes strain of the hantavirus, known to circulate in South America where the cruise originated, has been identified in the two confirmed cases. Dr. Van Kerkhove clarified that the organization was informed of no rodents being present on board the vessel. She added that extensive disinfection procedures are being carried out and that all symptomatic individuals or those caring for patients are wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE).
“Our working hypothesis is that there could be several different types of transmission that may have occurred,” Van Kerkhove told the BBC on Tuesday, May 5. She elaborated that the cruise ship had visited numerous islands, some of which are known to be inhabited by rodents that typically transmit the virus through droppings, saliva, or urine, suggesting potential multiple exposure points.
Initially, the WHO reported that the Spanish government had granted permission for the MV Hondius to dock in the Canary Islands, where further medical monitoring could be conducted. However, the Spanish Health Ministry swiftly moved to temper speculation regarding their acceptance of the ship.
In an official statement, the ministry clarified: “Depending on the epidemiological data collected from the ship as it passes Cape Verde, the most appropriate next stop will be determined. Until then, the Ministry of Health will not make a decision, as we have explained to the WHO.”
A spokesperson for the Spanish Health Ministry further informed the BBC that no formal request had been received for the ship to halt at the Canary Islands. Nevertheless, the spokesperson affirmed that the Spanish government stands ready to assume responsibility for managing the situation should circumstances change.
Such intervention would encompass providing medical care, comprehensive analysis, and thorough disinfection. However, there was no immediate indication as to whether passengers would be permitted to disembark the vessel, leaving many in a state of uncertainty.
A passenger, speaking anonymously to the BBC on Monday, May 4, described the atmosphere on board as “quite good,” despite their inability to leave the ship. They added, “Hopefully other patients on board will be tested soon and then we will know what is happening,” articulating a widespread desire for clarity.
Another passenger, travel vlogger Jake Rosmarin, echoed these sentiments in a social media post: “There’s a lot of uncertainty, and that’s the hardest part. All we want right now is to feel safe, get clarity, and be able to go home.”
Additional reporting by: Pumza Fihlani
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of potential human-to-human hantavirus transmission aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, where three passengers have tragically died and seven cases have been identified, including two confirmed. While typically spread from rodents, the WHO suggests transmission among “very close contacts” may have occurred, possibly originating from an individual infected before boarding. The ship, which began its journey in Argentina, is currently anchored near Cape Verde with 149 individuals from 23 countries on board as authorities manage the health crisis.
Medical teams from Cape Verde and the WHO are on board conducting comprehensive testing and have arranged aerial evacuations for symptomatic crew members and close contacts. Despite the serious nature of the response, including extensive disinfection and strict precautionary measures, the WHO emphasizes that the broader public risk remains low. Spain’s Health Ministry has clarified it has not yet granted docking permission for the ship, awaiting epidemiological data, but stands ready to provide assistance if circumstances change.