The World Health Organization suspects rare human-to-human transmission of hantavirus may have occurred among close contacts on the MV Hondius cruise ship. A cluster of hantavirus infections was reported among individuals traveling on the vessel.
As of May 4, 2026, seven cases of hantavirus infection have been identified. This includes two laboratory-confirmed and five suspected cases. Tragically, three fatalities have been recorded among the infected individuals.
One patient remains in critical condition under medical care in South Africa. Symptom onset for the infected individuals ranged from April 6 to April 28, characterized by fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.
The index case died on April 11, 2026, while on board the ship. Authorities from multiple countries are now coordinating an international response that includes case investigations and medical evacuations.
The outbreak appears confined to the cruise ship, with no evidence of transmission within African countries. Hantaviruses are primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodent excreta, saliva, or urine.
A British crew member and a Dutch colleague are being medically evacuated due to respiratory symptoms. Maria Van Kerkhove stated, “We do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that’s happening among the really close contacts.”
Officials have not confirmed the exact source and mode of exposure for these hantavirus infections. The potential for ongoing transmission among crew members is still to be confirmed.
