World3 min(s) read
Published 10:40 06 May 2026 GMT
3 sick passengers evacuated from cruise ship hit by hantavirus as new case is confirmed
The three sick cruise ship passengers who were diagnosed with hantavirus have been medically evacuated.
It was revealed that they were evacuated to the Netherlands this morning (May 6), but a new challenge has surfaced.
A Spanish leader opposed allowing it to dock on their shores, while authorities confirmed that the Andes strain, which can be spread from person-to-person, was found in passengers.
Another man who traveled on the ship was being treated for hantavirus in the Swiss city of Zurich, according to local authorities.
The World Health Organization revealed that the patient responded to an email from the cruise operator and went to hospital.
So far, the outbreak has killed three people and infected at least seven others aboard a luxury Dutch cruise ship.
There are approximately 150 people on board the MV Hondius, and it has been explained that those affected likely contracted the virus by inhaling the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rats or mice.
Despite this belief, the World Health Organization claims that no rodents were found on the vessel.
What is hantavirus?
According to Mayo Clinic, the illness produces particular symptom patterns which can trigger hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) or Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
Both can be fatal if left untreated, with the virus primarily being transmitted via contact with rodents, when humans are exposed to their urine, feces, or saliva.
HPS is most commonly spread by rat and mouse feces, which can come into contact with humans when clearing out rat-infested rooms or spaces.
Those who end up contracting the virus will usually start experiencing symptoms within one to eight weeks.
Some of the symptoms of the virus include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Fever,
- Muscle aches in major muscle groups such as the thighs, hips, back, and the shoulders.
Latest on MV Hondius
The WHO confirmed that this outbreak is the Andes strain of the virus, which is known to be transmissible between people.
It is endemic in parts of Argentina, where the Hondius started its voyage.
While hantavirus is potentially fatal, there are currently no known cures.
Speaking on Tuesday, WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove said via NBC that, unlike influenza or Covid-19, it can only be spread through close contact, such as sharing food or a bed.
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke on X, writing: Three suspected #hantavirus case patients have just been evacuated from the ship and are on their way to receive medical care in the Netherlands in coordination with @WHO, the ship’s operator and national authorities from Cabo Verde, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands."
One medic is on board the ship, while two infectious disease specialists from the Netherlands are set to board the ship and remain there for the duration of the ship's journey.