World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is currently assessing the global risk from a rare hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship, stressing that the risk to the wider population remains low at this stage.
“WHO currently assesses the risk to the global population from this event as low and will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and update the risk assessment,” the organisation said.
The outbreak was first reported on 2 May 2026, when a cluster of passengers aboard the MV Hondius developed severe respiratory illness during an international voyage carrying about 147 passengers and crew.
By 4 May, seven cases had been identified, including two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infections and five suspected cases. Three deaths have been recorded, one patient remains critically ill, and three others have presented with mild symptoms. Illness onset occurred between 6 and 28 April, with symptoms progressing rapidly from fever and gastrointestinal distress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock.
It is revealed that Hantavirus infection is primarily transmitted through contact with urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. While rare, it can be severe and sometimes fatal. In limited cases involving specific strains such as the Andes virus, human-to-human transmission has been reported, though this remains uncommon.
The outbreak has triggered a coordinated international response involving Cabo Verde, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Authorities say investigations are underway to determine the source of exposure, while passengers onboard have been advised to remain in their cabins and observe strict physical distancing where possible.
South African authorities have since confirmed that the outbreak has had direct local impact after a critically ill British national, who was aboard the vessel, was medically evacuated to a private hospital in Sandton, Johannesburg.
He tested positive for hantavirus and remains in isolation in critical condition.
The Department of Health has urged calm, confirming that only two passengers from the cruise ship entered South Africa. Officials are working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and Gauteng health authorities to trace and monitor any possible exposure.
The department also confirmed additional fatalities linked to the voyage. A 70-year-old male passenger developed sudden symptoms, including fever, abdominal pain, headache and diarrhoea, while travelling from Ushuaia towards St Helena Island and died upon arrival there. His remains are being held in St Helena pending repatriation to the Netherlands.
In a separate incident, his 69-year-old wife collapsed at OR Tambo International Airport while transiting through South Africa en route to the Netherlands and later died in a medical facility in Kempton Park. Her laboratory results remain outstanding.
Authorities say they are continuing contact tracing efforts and monitoring individuals who may have been exposed.
“The World Health Organization is coordinating a multi-country response with all affected islands and countries to contain further spread of the disease,” the Department of Health said, adding that there is currently no reason for public alarm.
WHO-led coordination efforts include cross-border information sharing through International Health Regulations (IHR) focal points, passenger tracking across affected countries, and laboratory confirmation supported by South Africa’s NICD, with additional testing underway in Senegal. Medical evacuation planning and clinical support structures have also been activated through WHO’s Emergency Medical Team network and international partners.