Three dead in rare Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship near Cape Verde

Three people have died following a rare outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise ship off the coast of Cape Verde, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In a statement released on Monday, the WHO confirmed that as of May 4, 2026, a total of seven cases had been identified on the Dutch-flagged vessel. These include two laboratory-confirmed infections and five suspected cases. Among the affected individuals, three have died, one remains critically ill, and three others are experiencing mild symptoms.

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), also referred to as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), is a rare but severe respiratory disease transmitted primarily through exposure to infected rodents or contaminated surfaces. The illness can progress rapidly and has a fatality rate of up to 50 percent.

The outbreak was first reported on May 2 after several passengers developed severe respiratory symptoms during the voyage. According to the WHO, symptoms among affected individuals appeared between April 6 and April 28, initially presenting as fever and gastrointestinal issues before escalating to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and, in severe cases, shock.

The cruise began its journey on April 1 from Ushuaia, Argentina, and travelled across the South Atlantic, with stops in Antarctica, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island before arriving near Cape Verde. The vessel carries 88 passengers and 59 crew members from 23 different countries.

The first fatality, an adult male, developed symptoms including fever, headache, and diarrhoea on April 6 while onboard. His condition deteriorated into respiratory distress, and he died on April 11.

A second victim, an adult female who had close contact with the first case, fell ill after disembarking in Saint Helena. She developed gastrointestinal symptoms on April 24, worsened during a flight to Johannesburg, and died on April 26. Laboratory tests later confirmed hantavirus infection.

Another patient, an adult male, presented with fever and respiratory distress on April 24. His condition worsened, leading to a medical evacuation to South Africa, where he remains in intensive care. PCR testing later confirmed hantavirus infection.

A third fatality, an adult female, developed symptoms on April 28 and died on May 2 after suffering from pneumonia.

Three additional suspected cases are currently being monitored onboard, with patients reporting high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms. Medical teams in Cape Verde are conducting further evaluations and testing.

Health authorities are investigating the source of the outbreak, including possible exposure to wildlife during the trip or prior to departure in Argentina.

Passengers have been instructed to remain in their cabins and follow physical distancing measures while response efforts are coordinated by authorities in Cape Verde, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Despite the severity of the cases, the WHO has assessed the overall risk to the global population as low.