MV Hondius Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak: 8 Cases, 3 Deaths Across Multiple Countries

An international hantavirus outbreak connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius has triggered coordinated public health responses across multiple nations. As of the report, the WHO has documented 8 cases (5 confirmed, 3 suspected) with 3 deaths. A new suspected case emerged in a British national on Tristan da Cunha following the ship's April 2026 port call. Confirmed cases involve UK nationals, a Swiss passenger, and Dutch crew. The US, state health departments across five states, and authorities in South Africa are monitoring returning passengers and contacts. The ship, which carried 147 people (88 passengers, 59 crew) from 23 countries, is being disinfected in Tenerife. WHO officials emphasized that public risk remains low, though risk for those aboard is moderate. No currently symptomatic individuals remain on the vessel.