A hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and multiple cases, triggering an international public health response.
The outbreak involved the rare Andes strain of hantavirus, which is capable of human-to-human transmission.
Hantavirus Outbreak on the MV Hondius: A Timeline of Events
The Outbreak
The MV Hondius, a cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 for a 34-day voyage across the South Atlantic Ocean. The ship was carrying approximately 147 to 150 people—including 87 passengers and 61 crew members—when a hantavirus outbreak began to spread.
The first patient is believed to have contracted the virus before boarding. Possible exposure sites include an area in Ushuaia, Argentina, where rodents were later captured and analyzed. Argentina's health ministry reported no cases originating in the country.
Case Details and Fatalities
As of reports, nine suspected or confirmed cases have been identified. Three individuals have died:
- A 70-year-old Dutch man who died on board the ship on April 11.
- His 69-year-old wife, who died in South Africa on April 26 after disembarking.
- A German national, who died on board on May 2. An autopsy has not yet been publicly released for this victim.
Other confirmed and suspected cases include:
- A British national in intensive care in South Africa.
- A Swiss man who tested positive for the Andes strain in Switzerland.
- A French contact case believed to have shared a flight with an evacuated patient.
- An American passenger who tested positive and was transferred to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit.
- The ship's doctor, who contracted the virus and was isolated in the Netherlands.
- Additional suspected cases, including a crew member and a guide.
Transmission and Public Health Risk
The Andes strain is the only hantavirus documented to be capable of rare human-to-human transmission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that human-to-human transmission may be occurring among close contacts, such as spouses and cabin mates, and potentially among medical providers. Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans through contact with rodent urine, feces, or saliva.
Public health officials from multiple countries assessed the risk to the general public as very low, noting that the virus does not transmit easily and typically requires prolonged, close contact with a symptomatic individual. The WHO stated that this is not a pandemic-level threat.
International Response and Ship Movement
The ship was denied docking in Cape Verde due to health concerns and anchored off the coast of Praia. After negotiations, the Spanish government authorized the ship to dock at the port of Granadilla on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The regional government leader of the Canary Islands criticized this decision, stating it was made without sufficient local consultation.
The MV Hondius departed Cape Verde and sailed towards the Canary Islands, a journey expected to take three to four days. Spanish health authorities plan to conduct a full epidemiological investigation, assess all passengers and crew, and determine a plan for repatriation.
Medical Evacuations and Quarantine
Three suspected cases were evacuated from the ship: a German, a Dutch, and a British national (including a British crew member). They were transported via specialized aircraft to Cape Verde, then onward to the Netherlands for treatment.
Passengers still on the ship were instructed to isolate in their cabins. Meals were delivered, and passengers were permitted solo walks on deck while wearing masks. Crew members conducted disinfection of the vessel. Passengers reported calm conditions on board.
U.S. Response
The U.S. government arranged a repatriation flight for 17 American passengers. They were flown to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska and transported to the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) for evaluation and monitoring. One passenger who tested positive was placed in the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit. Two additional U.S. passengers were transferred to Emory University Hospital.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated it was coordinating with partners and preparing medical support for American passengers. Two Georgia residents who returned from the cruise independently are being monitored and remain asymptomatic. Two Texas residents are also monitoring symptoms and have reported none.
Monitoring and Incubation
Due to the hantavirus incubation period, which can be up to 45 to 56 days, contacts are subject to long-term monitoring. Passengers may be required to quarantine for up to eight weeks.
The WHO and national health authorities are conducting contact tracing for individuals who had close contact with confirmed cases, including those who shared flights with passengers who became ill. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed that two individuals who returned independently to the UK are asymptomatic and have been advised to self-isolate.