The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is closely monitoring reports of a cluster of hantavirus infections identified among individuals travelling on the international cruise ship MV Hondius, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on 20 March 2026 for the Canary Islands via Cabo Verde.
The situation is being tracked as part of ongoing coordination with affected countries and international health authorities.
Reported Cases and Outbreak Overview
On 2 May 2026, a cluster of severe respiratory illness was reported among passengers aboard the vessel, which carried a total of 147 individuals, including crew.
As of 4 May 2026, seven cases of hantavirus infection have been identified, comprising two laboratory-confirmed cases and five suspected cases.
Among these, three fatalities have been recorded. One patient remains in critical condition under medical care in South Africa, while three individuals are experiencing mild symptoms.
Symptom onset among the affected individuals ranged from 6 to 28 April 2026. The clinical presentation was initially characterised by fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, followed by rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock.
International Response and Coordination
Authorities from Cabo Verde, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, and the United Kingdom have initiated a coordinated international response.
Measures include case investigation, isolation and clinical management, medical evacuation, and laboratory testing to support the ongoing investigation and response efforts.
Laboratory confirmation has been conducted at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa. Further analyses, including serology, sequencing, and metagenomics, are currently ongoing to better understand the outbreak.
Hantaviruses are primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent excreta, saliva, or urine, and are not typically associated with sustained human-to-human transmission.
Risk Assessment and Public Health Advisory
Africa CDC continues to closely monitor the situation and remains in contact with affected countries to provide technical support as needed.
At present, the outbreak appears confined to the cruise ship, with no evidence of transmission within African countries. The risk to the general public remains low.
Africa CDC is advising Member States to strengthen port health services, reinforce infection prevention and control measures, and ensure timely reporting of suspected cases.
Travelers are encouraged to maintain good hygiene practices, avoid contact with rodents or potentially contaminated environments, and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or respiratory difficulty following travel.
