Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak: 3 Dead on MV Hondius as Cape Verde Refuses Docking

# Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak: 3 Dead on MV Hondius as Cape Verde Refuses Docking

> **Quick answer:** Three passengers are dead and at least one is in intensive care after a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, a Dutch expedition vessel that departed Argentina roughly three weeks ago. Cape Verde has refused the ship permission to dock, WHO has confirmed hantavirus in one case and is conducting virus sequencing, and medical evacuations are being coordinated by Dutch authorities. The WHO assesses overall public risk as low — hantavirus does not spread easily between people.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for medical concerns specific to your situation.*

Three passengers are dead and the MV Hondius sits anchored off the coast of Cape Verde — refused permission to dock — as the World Health Organization investigates one of the most unusual hantavirus clusters in recorded travel history. Here is everything known as of May 4, 2026.

## What Is Happening on the MV Hondius

The MV Hondius is a Dutch expedition cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. It departed Argentina approximately three weeks before the outbreak became public, carrying 149 people — 88 passengers and 61 crew members from 23 nationalities, including 17 Americans and at least two Irish nationals.