Three Dead from Hantavirus on Cruise Ship Bound for the Canary Islands

Three Deaths on Board MV Hondius

Three people have died from hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise ship that departed Ushuaia, Argentina and was bound for the Canary Islands. Six passengers were infected in total, with one person remaining in intensive care in South Africa as of the latest reports. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been informed of the outbreak.

Among those who died were a Dutch married couple, making the case one of the most serious hantavirus incidents involving international travellers in recent years.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease spread through contact with infected rodents — specifically through their urine, droppings or saliva. It is not easily transmitted between people, which is why clusters of cases in a single location — such as a vessel — raise particular concern about an environmental source of exposure, such as rodent infestation on board.

Symptoms can include fever, fatigue and muscle aches, progressing in severe cases to serious respiratory or kidney complications. There is no specific antiviral treatment; care is supportive.

The Voyage and What Happened

The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina, on a route taking it northward toward the Canary Islands, with a stop in Cape Verde. It was during this voyage that passengers began showing symptoms and the deaths occurred.

One passenger was evacuated and remains in intensive care in South Africa. Authorities in multiple countries are involved in the investigation given the international nature of the ship's route and passenger list.

For Travellers Heading to the Canary Islands

There is no indication of any outbreak in the Canary Islands themselves. Hantavirus is not spread between people in normal circumstances, and the risk to the general public from this incident is considered low. However, travellers on cruises or in areas with potential rodent exposure should be aware of the basic precautions: avoid contact with wild rodents, do not handle nesting materials, and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms develop after potential exposure.

The WHO and relevant national health authorities continue to monitor the situation.

This article is based on reporting from Spanish News Today, published April 5, 2026.