06.05.2026 09:33
A deadly hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship stranded off the coast of Cape Verde has caused panic. The outbreak has killed 3 passengers, while at least 7 others have been infected. Experts suspect the rare Andes virus, which can be transmitted between humans, and it has been stated that around 150 passengers may remain in quarantine for up to 8 weeks. The absence of rodent traces on the ship has strengthened the possibility that the virus is spreading from person to person.
A deadly hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship stranded off the coast of Cape Verde has made global headlines. The outbreak has so far claimed the lives of 3 passengers, while at least 7 others are reported to be infected. Experts warned that passengers on the ship could remain in quarantine for up to 8 weeks.
PANIC ON BOARD
U.S. emergency medicine specialist Dr. Sampson Davis stated that passengers are likely isolated in their cabins, saying, "The quarantine process could extend up to eight weeks. The virus can start quickly, but it may take weeks to show its effects."
SUSPICION OF DEADLY ANDES VIRUS
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the outbreak may be caused by the rare Andes virus, which can be transmitted between humans. The virus, reported to have a mortality rate of up to 40%, is said to be transmissible from person to person, unlike typical hantavirus strains. The most striking detail noted by experts was the absence of rodent traces on the ship, which strengthened the possibility that the virus spread among humans.
MEDICAL TEAMS BOARD THE SHIP
Medical teams have boarded the ship anchored off the coast of Cape Verde. WHO officials announced that two crew members identified as infected are under treatment, and other passengers showing symptoms are being tested.
“CAN FILL LUNGS WITH FLUID”
Dr. Todd Ellerin, Director of Infectious Diseases at South Shore Health, said the virus can initially show flu-like symptoms but can quickly become deadly. Ellerin stated, "The virus can rapidly affect the heart and lungs. The lungs can fill with fluid, leading to fatal pneumonia."
PLANS TO EVACUATE PASSENGERS
Experts noted that evacuating approximately 150 passengers from the ship to a quarantine center on land would be the best option. However, this requires a country to grant the ship port permission. After Cape Verde authorities refused to allow the ship to dock, WHO announced that the MV Hondius has been permitted to dock at Spain's Canary Islands. Spanish officials have not yet confirmed this officially.
“WILL NOT BECOME A NEW PANDEMIC”
Experts emphasized that despite the alarming scale of the outbreak, the risk of it turning into a new pandemic is low. It was noted that the Andes virus requires prolonged close contact to spread. Dr. Ellerin said, "This will definitely not become a new pandemic. The general public does not need to panic."
CONCERN OVER PSYCHOLOGICAL COLLAPSE ON BOARD
Experts also noted that passengers stranded on the ship for weeks are under severe psychological pressure. Dr. Davis stated, "People are experiencing immense stress and trauma. Evacuating them to land is very important both physically and mentally." The ship's operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, reported that the passengers' condition is "generally calm." It was stated that passengers can have meals in their cabins and have limited access to the outer decks.
WARNING THAT “IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN”
Experts said the incident serves as a serious warning for the cruise industry. Dr. Davis said, "If it happened once, it can happen again," while cruise writer David Yeskel expressed that hygiene standards are high on modern ships and he does not expect the event to have a lasting impact on bookings.