WHO Warns of Rare Human-to-Human Hantavirus Transmission Aboard Dutch Cruise Ship

Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Raises Global Health Concerns

The World Health Organization has raised alarm over a potentially rare instance of human-to-human hantavirus transmission aboard the Dutch expedition vessel MV Hondius, where three passengers have lost their lives and multiple others have fallen ill.

What We Know So Far

Hantavirus is a pathogen typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents — specifically via their saliva, urine, or droppings. Human-to-human transmission is exceptionally uncommon, making the situation aboard MV Hondius particularly concerning to global health officials.

Seven cases in total — two confirmed and five suspected — have been recorded as of the latest WHO update. Among the confirmed cases is a Dutch woman who has since died, and a 69-year-old British national who was airlifted to South Africa for emergency medical treatment. The Dutch woman's husband also passed away, though his case has not been officially confirmed. A German national who died on May 2nd likewise remains outside the confirmed case count.

Human-to-Human Transmission Under Investigation

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, a senior WHO official, stated that investigators believe transmission may have occurred between individuals in extremely close contact aboard the vessel. "We do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that is happening among the really close contacts," she confirmed.

She also suggested that the first person infected may have contracted the virus prior to boarding the ship, potentially during the voyage's early stages in South America. Investigators are working on the assumption that the Andes strain of hantavirus — known to circulate in South America, where the journey originated — is responsible for the confirmed cases.

The Ship's Journey and Current Location

MV Hondius departed from Argentina approximately one month ago, embarking on a transatlantic crossing. The vessel is currently anchored near the Cape Verde archipelago off the western coast of Africa. During the voyage, the ship visited numerous islands, some of which are home to rodent populations — a factor health officials are actively examining as a possible source of initial exposure.

Medical Response and Evacuation Efforts

Medical teams from Cape Verde, operating with WHO support, have boarded the ship to assess and assist with suspected cases. Testing is ongoing for passengers and crew members displaying symptoms.

Two crew members — one British national and one Dutch national — are scheduled for medical evacuation by aircraft to the Netherlands after presenting with acute respiratory symptoms, according to the ship's operator, Oceanwide Expeditions. A person connected to the deceased German national is also being evacuated.

Ship operators confirmed that no rats have been detected aboard the vessel. Disinfection protocols are actively underway, and all individuals either showing symptoms or caring for sick passengers are required to wear full personal protective equipment.

Passengers Remain on Board Under Strict Measures

Approximately 149 passengers and crew members from 23 different countries remain on the ship under strict precautionary protocols. Among those still aboard are 22 British nationals in addition to the crew member awaiting evacuation.

The family of the Dutch couple who perished released a heartfelt statement, saying: "The beautiful journey they experienced together was abruptly and permanently cut short. We are still unable to comprehend that we have lost them. We wish to bring them home and commemorate them in peace and privacy."

Despite the uncertainty, one anonymous passenger told reporters that the mood aboard remained "pretty good," while travel vlogger Jake Rosmarin captured the general sentiment 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, to have clarity and to get home."

Next Steps: Will the Ship Dock in Spain?

The WHO has indicated that Spain granted permission for MV Hondius to dock in the Canary Islands, where a full risk assessment and further medical monitoring could be conducted. However, Spain's health ministry has tempered those expectations, stating that no final decision will be made until epidemiological data gathered near Cape Verde has been reviewed.

A Spanish health ministry spokesperson confirmed that no formal docking request had yet been received, but noted that Spanish authorities stand ready to provide medical care, testing, and disinfection services if required. Whether passengers would be permitted to disembark remains an open question.

The WHO emphasized that the overall risk to the general public remains low, even as health officials continue to monitor the evolving situation closely.