Cruise ship denied port amid suspected hantavirus outbreak

Cruise ship hantavirus outbreak concerns intensified after a vessel carrying around 150 people was denied permission to dock, leaving passengers under strict health measures as authorities assess the risk.

Officials in Cape Verde refused entry to the cruise ship Hondius as a precaution after a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus, which may have killed three people and sickened several others.

Passengers isolated as cases investigated

A total of 149 people remain on board, including passengers from 23 countries. Among them are 17 Americans.

The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said all passengers are following strict isolation and medical monitoring protocols.

Two individuals on board require urgent medical care, while another patient — a British national — is hospitalized in critical condition in Johannesburg, according to health officials.

WHO says risk to public remains low

The World Health Organization emphasized that the broader public risk remains limited.

Health officials noted that hantavirus is rare in humans and does not spread easily between people.

“There is no need for panic or travel restrictions,” said WHO Europe director Hans Henri P. Kluge, adding that authorities are coordinating an international response.

Deaths linked to suspected outbreak

Among the reported fatalities are a Dutch couple.

The husband, aged 70, died on board in April, while his wife, 69, collapsed at an airport in Johannesburg while attempting to return home.

A third death involved a German national, although the exact cause has not been officially confirmed.

So far, only two cases of hantavirus have been laboratory confirmed, while several others remain under investigation.

Unclear source of infection

Health experts say hantavirus infections are typically linked to exposure to infected rodents.

Authorities have not yet determined how passengers on the Hondius may have been exposed.

The WHO is assisting with plans for possible medical evacuations, including the use of air ambulances if needed.

Next stop uncertain as ship seeks port

The vessel may now attempt to dock in the Canary Islands, including Las Palmas or Tenerife, depending on approvals from local authorities.

The ship had departed from Argentina about three weeks ago and was en route to the Spanish-controlled islands off the coast of Africa.

Global response highlights health coordination

Officials say the situation underscores the importance of international coordination in managing health threats.

Governments, including the United States, are monitoring developments closely and are prepared to provide assistance to their citizens if needed.

The outbreak remains contained to the vessel, but uncertainty over infections and port access continues to disrupt travel plans. Health authorities stress that the overall risk remains low while investigations continue.