Three people who were aboard a cruise ship travelling across the Atlantic Ocean have died of suspected infections linked to hantavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Sunday, describing the situation as an ongoing investigation involving multiple countries.
The WHO confirmed that one case of the virus has been laboratory-verified, while five additional cases are still suspected. Of the six infected passengers, three have died and one remains in intensive care in South Africa.
The vessel involved, the MV Hondius, had been carrying around 150 passengers from several countries on a voyage that began in Ushuaia, Argentina, roughly three weeks ago.
The cruise route included stops near Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and several Atlantic island territories before heading toward Cape Verde.
Passengers Treated Across Multiple Countries
South African health officials said passengers from the ship were being treated in local medical facilities after developing severe respiratory symptoms.
Foster Mohale, spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of Health, said the individuals were admitted with “serious health complications arising from undiagnosed severe acute respiratory infection.”
According to officials, one of the deceased passengers was a 70-year-old man who fell ill with fever, abdominal pain, and other symptoms while onboard. He died after arriving on St. Helena Island, with his remains awaiting repatriation to the Netherlands.
His 69-year-old wife also became ill and later died after collapsing at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg while attempting to return home.
A third victim, a British national, developed symptoms during the voyage and was transferred for treatment in South Africa, where laboratory tests confirmed hantavirus infection.
The operator of the vessel, Oceanwide Expeditions, said it was cooperating with health authorities and deploying resources to support passengers and crew.
The company confirmed that two deaths occurred onboard and one after disembarkation. It also said one passenger is currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, while two others remain under medical observation.
Authorities from multiple countries, including South Africa and island nations along the route, are conducting investigations and monitoring remaining passengers.
The WHO said it is coordinating a multinational response with affected countries and territories to prevent further spread.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses carried primarily by rodents and transmitted to humans through inhalation of particles from contaminated urine, droppings, or saliva.
It is not commonly associated with cruise ships, which more frequently see outbreaks of respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus or influenza.
Medical experts say hantavirus typically begins with flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain, but can progress rapidly to severe respiratory distress and organ failure.
Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, with most documented cases occurring through environmental exposure rather than direct contact.
Experts have described the cluster of cases aboard a cruise ship as highly unusual. Possible explanations include exposure to rodent contamination either onboard or at a docking location during the voyage, though no definitive source has yet been identified.
Some specialists have also raised the possibility of limited person-to-person transmission, though this remains unconfirmed and not typical for most hantavirus strains.
Dr. Emily Abdoler, a clinician at the University of Michigan Medical School, said she was not aware of previous hantavirus outbreaks linked to cruise ships.
“Six people sick on a cruise ship. I’ve never heard of that from this kind of infection,” she said, noting that both environmental exposure and travel-related transmission routes are being considered.
South African officials emphasized that there is no indication of widespread risk to the public, noting that only a small number of passengers have entered the country for treatment.
The WHO said further updates will be issued as laboratory results and epidemiological investigations progress.
