Hantavirus Outbreak and Medical Evacuations
A Dutch cruise ship, the MV Hondius, affected by a hantavirus outbreak, departed Cape Verde after three individuals on board were medically evacuated for treatment. The evacuees include a 56-year-old British man, a 41-year-old Dutch crew member, and a 65-year-old German national, all transferred to the Netherlands, according to officials.
The ship, carrying 146 people, has commenced a three-day journey toward the Canary Islands.
Since the MV Hondius set sail from Argentina approximately one month ago, three deaths have been reported among those on board. Authorities have confirmed that one of the deceased tested positive for hantavirus, while investigations continue regarding the other two fatalities.
None of the three evacuated individuals have tested positive for hantavirus to date, although two are exhibiting symptoms consistent with the virus. Earlier reports from Spain's health minister suggested the British evacuee was a doctor; however, the BBC later clarified this was not the case.
The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, stated that the third evacuee, the German passenger, was "closely associated" with a German woman who died aboard the ship on 2 May.
Meanwhile, the UK's Health Security Agency reported that two British nationals are self-isolating at home in the UK after potential exposure to hantavirus during their earlier departure from the vessel. Neither individual has developed symptoms.
In its most recent update, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed eight hantavirus cases linked to the ship: three confirmed and five suspected.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted via rodents; however, health experts suspect human-to-human transmission may have occurred among individuals in close contact on the MV Hondius.
Testing continues to determine if additional passengers have contracted the virus. Health officials emphasize that the risk of broader public transmission remains low.
The vessel was anchored near Cape Verde, off Africa's west coast, before setting sail for the Canary Islands on Wednesday.
Response and Controversy Over Ship's Route
Spanish authorities approved the ship's departure toward the Canary Islands, but the president of the Canary Islands opposed the decision, requesting an urgent meeting with Spain's prime minister.
"I cannot allow [the boat] to enter the Canaries," Fernando Clavijo told Spain's Onda Cero radio. "This decision is not based on any technical criteria and nor have we been given enough information."
South African health officials identified the Andes strain of hantavirus—a strain prevalent in Latin America, the cruise's origin—in two confirmed patients, following tests by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
Previous outbreaks have demonstrated human-to-human transmission of the Andes strain. South African authorities continue efforts to trace all contacts.
Details on Fatalities and Contact Tracing
Among the deceased is a Dutch woman who disembarked the MV Hondius at St Helena on 24 April. Her husband died aboard the ship on 11 April but was not confirmed as a hantavirus case.
The Dutch woman subsequently traveled to South Africa, where she died on 26 April. WHO official Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove informed the BBC that contact tracing is underway for passengers on the flight she took.
KLM Airlines issued an advisory on Wednesday stating that the woman briefly boarded a flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam on 25 April but was denied further travel by the crew due to her medical condition.
The third fatality, a German woman, remains unconfirmed as a hantavirus case, and her body is still on the ship.
Transmission Characteristics and Onboard Measures
Dr. Van Kerkhove emphasized the distinct transmission mode of hantavirus compared to respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza.
"We're not talking about casual contact from very far away from one another," she said, but "really physical contact."
Oceanwide Expeditions reported that all 146 individuals from 23 countries remain aboard the MV Hondius under strict precautionary protocols.
Infectious disease experts and WHO personnel have joined the ship and will accompany it to the Canary Islands.
Spain's health minister, Mónica García, confirmed that none of the remaining passengers exhibit symptoms.
Upon arrival in Tenerife, all passengers will undergo medical assessments. Those deemed fit will be repatriated to their home countries. Spanish nationals will be quarantined at a defense hospital in Madrid.
Minister García stated that the evacuation plan is designed to "avoid contact" with Canary Island residents and that there will be "no risk" to the local population when the ship arrives in Tenerife in the coming days.
