Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Headed for Canary Islands

The Ship and Its Passengers

The MV Hondius is an expedition cruise ship operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel departed Ushuaia, Argentina on March 20, 2026 bound for Cape Verde. According to the operator, 149 people from 23 nations were on board, including 88 passengers and 61 crew members. According to the cruise operator, passengers include at least 17 Americans, two Irish nationals, and one Argentine. The ship was originally scheduled to visit Cape Verde before proceeding to the Canary Islands. However, on May 4, 2026, Cape Verde denied the ship entry as a precautionary measure.

The Outbreak: Timeline and Facts

The first death occurred on April 11 aboard the vessel. A 70-year-old Dutch passenger died with respiratory infection symptoms. His body was transported to the remote South Atlantic island of Saint Helena, arriving April 24. His 69-year-old wife began showing symptoms on April 27 and was evacuated to South Africa. She died in a Johannesburg hospital before returning to the Netherlands. On May 4, Oceanwide Expeditions reported a third death: a 65-year-old German passenger died aboard. At least two additional passengers and crew are under observation. A 69-year-old British passenger lies in intensive care in a Johannesburg hospital, condition critical but stable. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on May 4, 2026, one laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infection case and reports a total of at least six suspected cases.

What Is Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a family of viruses causing two distinct disease patterns: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The virus is primarily transmitted from infected rodents to humans. People become infected by inhaling particles from urine, saliva, or feces of infected rodents when these dry out and become airborne. Person-to-person transmission is possible according to the WHO, but rare. The WHO estimates approximately 200 hantavirus cases occur annually worldwide. In South America, where the ship began its voyage, the virus is documented. In 2025, pianist Betsy Arakawa (wife of actor Gene Hackman) died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in New Mexico.

Next Steps: Canary Islands on Standby

Oceanwide Expeditions stated that the ship may dock at Las Palmas or Santa Cruz de Tenerife if medical conditions warrant. Spanish health authorities are coordinating with the WHO and Spain's health ministry regarding possible arrival. The Port Authority of Las Palmas has not yet received an official request for docking according to local media. The foreign ministries of Spain and the United Kingdom are monitoring the situation closely. According to Oceanwide estimates, the ship could reach the Canary Islands in two to three days should the voyage continue. The WHO is supporting coordination of medical evacuation for remaining critically ill passengers.

The Risks: What Experts Say

The WHO emphasizes that risk to the general population remains low. "Hantavirus infections can be severe in some cases, if not easily transmitted between people," said WHO Regional Director Hans Kluge on May 4, 2026. Argentine cardiologist Jorge Tartaglione noted the rarity in an interview: "It is incredible that a cruise ship leaving Ushuaia could transmit this viral infection." He added that Argentina is currently maintaining active health surveillance for hantavirus, particularly in southern rural areas where the long-tailed mouse is endemic. Diagnosis is challenging: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome begins like flu with fatigue and fever (1–8 weeks post-exposure). After 4–10 days, cough, shortness of breath, and lung fluid follow. The CDC warns early symptoms are easily confused with influenza.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Where is the ship now?

The MV Hondius is anchored off Cape Verde (Praia). According to Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship could reach the Canary Islands in 2–3 days if medical conditions permit.

How many people are infected?

According to the WHO, there are at least 6 suspected cases and one laboratory-confirmed hantavirus case. Three have died, one is in intensive care, and at least two others show mild symptoms.

Is the virus easily contagious?

The WHO emphasizes hantavirus is difficult to transmit from person to person. Infection occurs primarily through rodents. The risk to the general population is considered low.

What happens if the ship docks in Las Palmas or Tenerife?

Spanish health authorities are coordinating with the WHO. Should the ship arrive, patients would be transported to specialized hospitals under strict isolation. Stringent hygiene and quarantine protocols would be activated.

Is there a vaccine against hantavirus?

No. There is currently no approved vaccine against hantavirus. Treatment is supportive and aims to manage symptoms and maintain organ function.