Cape Verde health authorities blocked the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius from docking to protect public health after a suspected hantavirus outbreak onboard, officials said on May 4, 2026 [1]. The ship carries 147 passengers and crew and departed Argentina about three weeks earlier for an Atlantic crossing [1].
Three passengers died from suspected hantavirus infections during the voyage, including a Dutch married couple. The man, aged 70, showed symptoms such as fever and stomach pain before his death [1]. At least two other passengers are sick. One 69-year-old British tourist who fell ill near Ascension Island was flown to South Africa and placed in intensive care. South African health officials confirmed he tested positive for hantavirus [1].
The World Health Organization declared the situation a public health event, confirming one laboratory-confirmed hantavirus case and five additional suspected cases on the ship. WHO said, "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 and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa" [1]. A Europe-based WHO official added the risk to the wider public remains low and said, "no need for panic or travel restrictions" [1].
Cape Verde authorities said, "We will not authorise its docking with the aim of protecting national public health" [1]. The government is coordinating with Dutch and UK officials for clinical monitoring and possible medical evacuation of sick passengers [1].
The MV Hondius began showing passenger symptoms suspected to be hantavirus around May 3, shortly before the ship sought to dock in Cape Verde [1]. The British tourist's positive test was confirmed by South African health authorities, who stated, "His laboratory test results came back positive for hantavirus" [1].
The next step involves ongoing clinical monitoring and possible medical evacuation efforts organized by the Cape Verde government with Dutch and UK authorities. Health officials will continue managing the outbreak onboard while denying docking access to prevent spread.
