Deadly ‘Rat Virus’ Outbreak on Cruise Ship Leaves Passengers Trapped After Multiple Deaths

The cruise vessel MV Hondius is currently stranded at anchor off the coast of Cape Verde. According to recent reports, three passengers have tragically died, with two of these fatalities definitively linked to the rare hantavirus.

Operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, the Dutch cruise ship departed from Ushuaia, located in southern Argentina, on March 20. The vessel was scheduled for a multi-week voyage featuring planned visits to several Atlantic islands.

However, the journey took a grim turn when a male passenger in his 70s reportedly fell ill and later died after exhibiting symptoms that included a fever, headaches, and diarrhea.

The initial confirmed fatality took place on April 11, involving a Dutch gentleman. His wife subsequently became sick and was rushed to the hospital, but tragically, her life could not be saved. Following her death, blood tests verified that she had contracted the hantavirus.

What is hantavirus?

Based on information from the CDC, this disease spreads to humans through direct contact with rodents such as mice and rats, specifically through exposure to their saliva, droppings, and urine.

On Saturday, a third passenger passed away. According to a source cited by AFP, the deceased individual’s body currently remains on the ship.

Meanwhile, a second confirmed hantavirus infection involves a British passenger who was medically evacuated to South Africa on April 27. He is presently receiving isolated treatment in an intensive care unit and is reported to be in critical condition.

Currently, absolutely no individuals are permitted to disembark the vessel.

Alongside the confirmed infections, there are other passengers suspected of carrying the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively investigating the possibility that the virus may have been transmitted from person to person.

In an official statement, the WHO noted: “As of May 4, 2026, there have been seven reported cases (two confirmed cases of hantavirus in the lab and five suspected cases), which include three fatalities, one patient in critical condition, and three others experiencing mild symptoms.”

The cruise liner, currently holding 149 passengers, remains anchored off the coast of Praia, the capital city of Cape Verde, after local authorities denied the ship entry into the port.