The expedition cruise ship MV Hondius is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde after a suspected hantavirus outbreak turned the journey into a medical emergency.

According to the World Health Organization, seven confirmed or suspected cases had been identified as of May 4, 2026. These include three deaths, one critically ill patient, and three people with mild symptoms.

The Dutch-flagged vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, departed Ushuaia on April 1. Its itinerary included remote locations such as Antarctica, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island.

On board are 147 people from 23 nationalities, including 88 passengers and 59 crew members, all now subject to strict containment measures.

Hantavirus is typically linked to contact with infected rodents, particularly through exposure to their urine, droppings, or saliva. Health officials are investigating whether rare person-to-person transmission may have occurred.

The first reported deaths involved a Dutch couple, while a third passenger, identified as a German national, also died. A British passenger evacuated to South Africa remains in critical condition.

Authorities in Cape Verde have not permitted disembarkation, keeping the vessel under quarantine while testing, medical care, and potential evacuations are coordinated.

For now, what began as a remote expedition has become an international public health situation, closely monitored as investigators work to determine the source and limit further spread.