Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Claims Second Life in the Atlantic

A second passenger has died from hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise liner operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions. The ship was traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde when the outbreak occurred.

The latest victim, a Dutch national, passed away on April 27 after being disembarked on Saint Helena island. Tests confirmed she had contracted the virus. The first death was reported earlier, bringing the confirmed fatality count to two.

According to a press release from Oceanwide Expeditions, the situation remains serious. Two crew members aboard the MV Hondius are currently showing acute respiratory symptoms and are awaiting evacuation. One infected passenger had previously been airlifted to South Africa for treatment.

The company initially reported three deaths on Monday, but has since clarified that only two cases have been laboratory-confirmed as hantavirus. The third death is still under investigation, though authorities have not ruled out a link.

Hantavirus is a rare but severe illness transmitted through contact with rodents or their droppings. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and respiratory distress. The outbreak has raised concerns about health protocols on expedition vessels, particularly those visiting remote islands.

Oceanwide Expeditions has not yet released details on how the virus may have spread aboard the ship. The MV Hondius remains at sea as medical teams coordinate evacuations and monitor the remaining passengers and crew.