Nearly 150 people remain stranded aboard a cruise ship off West Africa after a suspected hantavirus outbreak killed at least three passengers, according to a report by CNN.
The MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is anchored near Cape Verde after being denied entry to port over public health concerns. The World Health Organization said seven cases have been identified, including two confirmed infections.
#WorldDNA | Suspected Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise
— WION (@WIONews) May 5, 2026
Three people dead so far while three go under treatment
Efforts on to evacuate two symptomatic persons@ShivanChanana and @JyotsnaKumar13 have more on this pic.twitter.com/DirabCD08u
The report said the virus, typically spread through rodent exposure, can cause severe respiratory illness. Authorities stressed the situation does not pose a broader public health threat.
According to officials, some passengers fell ill during the voyage, which began in Argentina. Two Dutch nationals and a German passenger have died, while others remain under medical monitoring. Plans are underway to medically evacuate critical cases, with Spain’s Canary Islands being considered for further screening.
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