5 Key Facts: First Hantavirus Death on MV Hondius Came Before Cruise, Says WHO

WHO Confirms Pre-Boarding Infection

The first confirmed hantavirus case aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship could not have been acquired during the voyage, a World Health Organization expert told AFP on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The vessel remains anchored off Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, following a rare and deadly outbreak on board.

The WHO, alerted Saturday to the outbreak, determined that the index patient — a 70-year-old Dutch passenger — began showing symptoms before boarding. This means the infection source lies elsewhere, according to the expert.

Timeline and Key Numbers

As of the latest reports, a total of eight confirmed and suspected hantavirus cases have been linked to the ship. Tragically,three individuals have died. The first case, the 70-year-old Dutch passenger, is now understood to have been infected prior to the cruise's commencement.

The WHO expert clarified that the first case “could not have been infected on the ship, or on one of the islands” visited en route to Cape Verde. This finding reframes the risk assessment for all passengers and crew.

How Hantavirus Spreads

Dr. Francisco Averhoff, a WHO expert, explained to Science Media Centre that hantaviruses are rodent-borne viruses causing severe disease in humans. They are classified into “Old World” strains in Europe and Asia, and “New World” strains in the Americas.

The most likely explanation for the outbreak is that travelers from South America came into contact with infected rodent droppings. The New World hantavirus is more pathogenic, causing Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which is fatal in roughly 40% of cases.

Human-to-Human Transmission

In South America, the Andes virus (ANDV), endemic in Chile and Argentina, is the only hantavirus known to spread from human to human through close contact. This adds a layer of complexity to the outbreak investigation, though the initial source remains environmental.

Impact on the Cruise Industry

The MV Hondius, a polar expedition ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was sailing from Argentina toward Cape Verde when the outbreak occurred. The ship now remains quarantined off Praia as Cape Verdean authorities and the WHO coordinate a response.

Passengers have been advised to monitor for symptoms, which include fever, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. The incubation period can range from one to eight weeks, prompting a long surveillance window.

What This Means for Filipino Travelers

For Filipino travelers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) planning cruises or travel to South America or the Caribbean, this incident underscores the importance of pre-travel health checks. The WHO recommends avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings.

While hantavirus is not currently a direct threat in the Philippines, the country’s high volume of tourism and OFW deployment makes awareness critical. For more on global health alerts, visit our health category or about page.

This outbreak highlights how quickly a disease can cross borders via international travel. It serves as a reminder for Filipino tourists to check travel advisories and consult a doctor before departure.