 confirmed that three passengers have been medically evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius amid a suspected hantavirus cluster.){kind=link}
Cases and Deaths Reported
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that three passengers have been medically evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius amid a suspected hantavirus cluster.
Health officials report eight total cases — three confirmed and five suspected — including three deaths linked to the outbreak.
Evacuations and Medical Response
The evacuated passengers were transferred from the ship near Cape Verde and flown to the Netherlands for treatment. Two are in serious condition, while a third is being monitored as a close contact of a deceased passenger.
Additional medical teams, including infectious disease specialists, have been deployed to assist onboard as authorities monitor remaining passengers and crew.
Spread and Ongoing Investigation
Officials identified the virus as Andes hantavirus, a rare strain that can spread between people. A confirmed case has also been reported in Switzerland involving a passenger who had already left the ship.
The WHO says the overall public health risk remains low but continues to coordinate international tracking and follow-up.
Travel Disruptions and Next Steps
The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is expected to head toward Spain’s Canary Islands, where further screenings and possible repatriation of passengers are planned. However, local officials have raised concerns about allowing the vessel to dock.
Health authorities are continuing investigations as efforts focus on containing the outbreak and safely returning passengers home.
For more health updates on the Hantavirus, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.