Health authorities are responding to a suspected hantavirus outbreak on board the polar expedition ship MV Hondius after three passengers died and three more became ill, the World Health Organization said on Monday.
Netherlands-based operator Oceanwide Expeditions described the situation as a "serious medical situation" on the vessel, which was located off the coast of Cape Verde, an island nation off Africa's western shore.
The cruise departed Argentina about three weeks ago with roughly 150 passengers on board and called at the Antarctic and other ports en route to Cape Verde, according to media reports. The travel history is being reviewed as part of the ongoing public health response.
Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, said in a statement that the risk to the wider public remains low and that there is no need for panic or travel restrictions. Kluge added that the WHO was acting urgently to support the response, coordinating with the countries involved to assist with medical care, evacuations, investigations and a public health risk assessment.
"Hantavirus infections are uncommon and usually linked to exposure to infected rodents," Kluge said. He also noted that while the illness can be severe in some cases, it is not easily transmitted between people.
A spokesperson for the Dutch Foreign Ministry confirmed that two Dutch passengers had died but did not provide further detail. The WHO posted on X that one of the sick passengers was in intensive care in South Africa; Sky News reported that the intensive care patient is British, citing South Africa's Department of Health.
Laboratory testing has confirmed hantavirus in one of the six people affected, the WHO said. Authorities continue to investigate the remaining cases and to coordinate clinical care and potential evacuations.
Context and next steps
WHO involvement includes supporting local and national authorities to manage immediate medical needs and to conduct an assessment of public health risk. Investigations will focus on clinical management of the ill, potential sources of exposure and the scope of any further testing required.
Officials have emphasized that current evidence does not indicate a significant risk to the general population, while work continues to clarify the situation for passengers, crew and the countries assisting with medical care and transport.