Three individuals suspected of contracting hantavirus have been evacuated from the cruise vessel MV Hondius and are being transported to the Netherlands for urgent medical treatment, according to the World Health Organization.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who stated that despite the incident, the broader public health risk remains low.
The evacuations follow mounting concerns aboard the Dutch-flagged ship, which has been under international scrutiny since reports emerged last weekend of multiple fatalities linked to a suspected hantavirus outbreak. The vessel has been anchored off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde since Sunday.
According to WHO data, three deaths have been recorded among passengers, with hantavirus confirmed in at least one case. In total, three infections have now been confirmed, while five additional cases remain under investigation.
The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 for an Atlantic voyage. It carried 88 passengers and 59 crew members representing 23 different nationalities.
Wednesday’s medical evacuation involved two crew members and another individual believed to be infected. The operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving the WHO, the ship’s operators, and health authorities from Cape Verde, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
Health officials have intensified monitoring protocols both onboard the vessel and for passengers who have already disembarked. Authorities say contact tracing and follow-up measures are underway to contain any potential spread.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents, including exposure to their urine, droppings, or saliva.
Despite the alarming circumstances, Ghebreyesus reiterated that the situation is being closely managed and does not currently pose a significant global health threat.
