Hantavirus is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease caused by viruses typically transmitted from rodents to humans, most often through inhalation of contaminated particles from urine, droppings, or saliva.
In severe cases, it can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory illness with a high fatality rate. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and limited to specific strains.
The virus has now come under global scrutiny after a suspected outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius led to multiple deaths and triggered an international investigation by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The vessel, carrying around 147 passengers and crew, reported a cluster of severe illnesses during its voyage from Argentina. So far, seven cases have been identified—two confirmed and five suspected—including three deaths. One critically ill passenger remains hospitalised in Johannesburg.
The situation escalated after a passenger disembarked at Saint Helena and later boarded a flight to Johannesburg. Her condition deteriorated mid-air, and she died after reaching hospital. This prompted the WHO to begin urgent contact tracing of passengers and crew who were on that flight.
Another fatality involved her husband, who died earlier on the ship, while a German passenger also succumbed during the voyage. Several others developed rapid respiratory complications between April 6 and 28, raising concerns of a fast-progressing infection.
As investigations continue, authorities have confirmed that the cruise ship is now en route to dock in Spain, where further medical checks, quarantine protocols, and forensic testing will be carried out. The vessel had earlier been held off the coast of Cape Verde as health teams worked to contain the situation.
Officials are also examining whether environmental exposure during expedition stops or limited human-to-human transmission may have contributed to the outbreak, though no conclusion has been reached.
WHO has stressed that the overall risk to the general public remains low, as hantavirus does not typically spread easily between people. However, the rare nature of the outbreak on a cruise ship has heightened global concern and intensified monitoring of all contacts linked to the voyage.
