On May 4, 2026, an outbreak of Hantavirus was confirmed on the cruise ship Hondius. Prior to this confirmation, 29 passengers had already disembarked on St. Helena on April 24.
Details of the Hantavirus Outbreak
The Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was en route to Tenerife after stopping at St. Helena. Among the passengers who left the ship was a Swiss man, who later developed symptoms and tested positive for Hantavirus.
Passenger Health Developments
- Prior to the Swiss man’s diagnosis, the wife of a Dutch passenger had disembarked after her husband reportedly died from a suspected Hantavirus infection.
- She and her husband’s body were flown to South Africa, where she collapsed at Johannesburg airport and subsequently died.
- A KLM flight attendant, who had contact with her, was admitted to a hospital in Amsterdam for observation.
Infections and Medical Response
As of now, three people from the Hondius are under observation for potential Hantavirus infection. This includes a 65-year-old woman from Germany, who is at the University Hospital of Düsseldorf. She is currently asymptomatic, with test results pending.
Another affected passenger has been transported to a hospital in Leiden, near Amsterdam. A third individual has also been flown to Amsterdam for further evaluation.
Next Steps and Investigations
The Hondius is expected to dock in Tenerife within three days. Health Minister Mónica García Gómez has confirmed that all passengers and crew will undergo health screenings upon arrival. If deemed fit, passengers will be allowed to return to their home countries.
Authorities have noted that currently, no one aboard the Hondius is exhibiting symptoms. The source of the outbreak remains unclear. Investigations are underway to trace the origins, particularly concerning the deceased Dutch couple who had traveled throughout South America since November.
The Argentine government plans to send health experts to areas visited by the couple to investigate possible Hantavirus presence.
