Cape Verde authorities have not allowed nearly 150 passengers aboard the MV Hondius to disembark following a suspected hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three deaths.
Hantaviruses typically cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Africa, Asia, and Europe and is carried by rodents. Symptoms usually occur 12–16 days after exposure to the virus.
The expedition cruise ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed Tierra del Fuego on March 20 bound for the Canary Islands. It is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde awaiting instructions from local authorities.
Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including WHO, RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Disembarkation and medical screening of all guests require coordination with local health authorities, and we are in close consultation with them.
The company confirmed on Monday May 4, that permission has not yet been granted to disembark passengers requiring medical care or to conduct onboard testing in coordination with local health officials.
In addition to the three fatalities, a British passenger has been transferred to Johannesburg and is reported to be in critical condition in intensive care. Two crew members also require urgent medical attention. The status of the remaining passengers has not been fully disclosed.
Cape Verdean health teams have boarded the vessel to assess two symptomatic individuals. However, no decision has yet been made regarding their transfer to medical facilities ashore. Dutch authorities are working to arrange repatriation for the affected passengers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the risk to the general public remains low. “There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,” the agency stated.
The Dutch Foreign Ministry confirmed that two of the deceased were Dutch nationals and said it has not yet received requests for consular assistance from other Dutch passengers onboard. As the vessel sails under the Dutch flag, the Netherlands is coordinating consular support for all passengers, regardless of nationality.
The WHO has confirmed hantavirus infection in at least one case, with five additional suspected infections under investigation. Further laboratory testing, epidemiological analysis, and virus sequencing are ongoing, while medical care and support continue to be provided to passengers and crew.
