Suspected Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak On Cruise Ship
There’s a suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus aboard a cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Don’t panic: Based on current research, the likelihood that this spreads significantly is very low. Still, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself if you’re taking a cruise soon.
Three are dead, and others have been infected on the Dutch ship, MV Hondius. It is now located near Cape Verde, off Africa’s west coast, and passengers are not allowed to leave the ship.
A view of the MV Hondius cruise ship anchored at a port in Praia, Cape Verde, Monday, May 4, 2026.
(AP Photo/Arilson Almeida)
As of now, there is very little conclusive evidence of any documented cases of human-to-human spread of the virus by researchers.
Hantavirus is usually spread by infected rodents’ urine or feces, which can lead to severe respiratory illness, kidney failure, hemorrhagic fever or death.
While still unconfirmed, the most likely cause of the virus aboard the cruise ship is this exposure to infected rodents, either aboard the ship if it was contaminated or by contact while on land — not person-to-person.
The best precaution to take is to minimize contact with rodents and immediately see a doctor if you feel sick after exposure.
Early symptoms of the illness are similar to those of other viruses and can easily be confused with the flu.
Early Stage Symptoms:
Four to ten days after early-stage symptoms, respiratory symptoms may develop, and 38% of people who develop these symptoms may die, according to the CDC.
Late Stage Symptoms:
Historically, the likelihood of contracting hantavirus at home, while traveling or on a cruise is extremely low.
The World Health Organization maintains that it is rare in humans and not easily transmitted, and there is no need for panic.
The case of this ship remains under close monitoring.
weather.com content writer Ada Wood enjoys exploring the stories that science and climate teach us about our natural world and how it influences the way we live in it.
