health
May 4, 2026
Mysterious virus spread on a cruise ship at sea: there are deaths and critical cases
A severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak triggered an emergency on a cruise ship sailing the Atlantic, leaving at least two people dead and a third case in critical condition.
TL;DR
- An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome occurred on the cruise ship MV Hondius.
- At least two passengers have died, and a third is in critical condition.
- The cause has been identified as hantavirus, confirmed in an evacuated passenger.
- The first death occurred on board, with the body disembarked on St. Helena.
- The deceased passenger's wife also fell ill and died in a South African hospital.
- A third passenger, a British citizen, is in intensive care in Johannesburg and tested positive for hantavirus.
- Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with rodents, but rare human-to-human transmission is possible.
- The World Health Organization is aware of the situation and is involved in a coordinated international response.
- There are discussions about transferring other sick passengers to isolation in Cape Verde.
- The ship may then continue its route to the Canary Islands.