Hantavirus Outbreak: Confirmed and Probable Cases Identified Across Six Countries After Cruise Ship Crisis

Health authorities have confirmed a multi-national spread of hantavirus infections linked to the outbreak aboard the cruise vessel MV Hondius, with eight confirmed cases and two additional probable infections recorded across six countries.

According to updates from the World Health Organization and national health agencies, the outbreak has so far resulted in three deaths, while several other suspected cases and close contacts remain under active investigation.

Officials have stressed that while the situation is serious, ongoing monitoring and containment measures are in place across affected countries.

Netherlands records fatalities and confirmed infection

The Netherlands has recorded some of the earliest and most severe cases linked to the outbreak.

A Dutch couple who had been travelling in South America before boarding the MV Hondius in Argentina on April 1 were among the first fatalities. The husband, aged 70, developed symptoms on April 6 and died five days later, though he was not tested before his body was removed from the vessel, leading authorities to classify him as a probable case.

His 69-year-old wife also fell ill shortly after disembarking the ship during a stop in St Helena. Her condition worsened during a medical evacuation flight to South Africa, where she later died in hospital, with laboratory tests confirming hantavirus infection.

A third Dutch case involves the ship’s doctor, who developed symptoms at the end of April and later tested positive for the Andes strain of the virus. He was evacuated to the Netherlands and placed under isolation care.

United Kingdom reports multiple infections

The United Kingdom has also recorded several cases among its nationals.

One British passenger developed fever and pneumonia symptoms in late April and was evacuated from Ascension Island to South Africa, where he was treated in intensive care. His infection was later confirmed as hantavirus, specifically the Andes strain.

A second British national working aboard the vessel also tested positive after developing symptoms during the same period. He was evacuated to the Netherlands for treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.

A third British citizen, who had disembarked earlier on Tristan da Cunha, later developed symptoms and has been classified as a probable case pending laboratory confirmation.

Authorities confirmed that emergency medical supplies were airlifted to assist in treating the patient in isolation on the island.

Germany records fatal case

Germany confirmed the death of a female passenger who developed fever and pneumonia while still onboard the ship. She died on May 2.

Post-mortem samples sent to European laboratories confirmed infection with the Andes strain of hantavirus. Her body remains aboard the vessel pending repatriation procedures.

Switzerland confirms imported infection

A Swiss national who left the ship at St Helena and travelled through South Africa and Qatar developed symptoms after returning home.

He was placed in isolation and later tested positive for the Andes virus, confirming another imported case linked to the outbreak.

France confirms new positive case

French authorities confirmed that a woman evacuated from the cruise ship tested positive for hantavirus after developing symptoms shortly after repatriation.

Health Minister Stephanie Rist said she began feeling unwell late on May 10 before laboratory results confirmed infection.

United States reports mild infections

In the United States, health officials confirmed that among 17 repatriated citizens, one tested mildly positive for the virus while another showed mild symptoms consistent with infection.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said both individuals are under medical observation and receiving care.

Ongoing global monitoring

Health agencies across affected countries continue to trace passengers, flight contacts, and other possible exposure chains linked to the outbreak.

So far, eight confirmed cases and two probable cases have been recorded across six countries, with investigations still ongoing as authorities work to contain further spread and monitor returning passengers from the MV Hondius.