The World Health Organization said seven cases of hantavirus have been identified aboard the luxury cruise ship M V Hondius, including two laboratory confirmed infections and five suspected cases. Three passengers have died, one person is critically ill, and three others have reported mild symptoms. Around 150 passengers and crew remain stranded off Cape Verde after authorities declined permission for disembarkation and medical evacuation.

The outbreak began after a Dutch passenger fell ill and died in April while the ship was sailing in the South Atlantic. His body was later disembarked on Saint Helena. His wife subsequently became ill and died, and a British passenger was evacuated to South Africa for treatment after testing positive for the virus. A German passenger also died, though the cause has not yet been confirmed.

The vessel had departed from southern Argentina in March on an Antarctic nature expedition, visiting several remote islands before reaching waters near Cape Verde. Health authorities in South Africa and Cape Verde have said there is no immediate risk to people onshore, noting that the ship has remained at sea. The company is considering sailing to the Canary Islands to allow medical screening and evacuation.