3 Dead, 3 Others Sick From Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak Aboard Cruise Ship: WHO

‘To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases,’ the World Health Organization said.

The cruise ship MV Hondius stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026. An outbreak of "severe acute respiratory illness" on board a cruise ship in the Atlantic has left two people dead and a third in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa's health ministry told AFP on May 3, 2026. AFP via Getty IMages

Three guests are dead as a suspected hantavirus outbreak spreads on board a cruise ship currently in the Atlantic Ocean, while three others are ill, according to an announcement from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday.

The suspected outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged passenger ship that left Argentina several weeks ago. Its operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said it is currently handling a “serious medical situation” onboard the vessel.