hantaviruscruise ship outbreakSouth AfricaCape VerdeAndes virus
South Africa Confirms Andes Hantavirus in Two Cruise Ship Passengers; One Dead, One in ICU
Published: May 6, 2026
South African authorities identified the person-to-person transmissible Andes hantavirus strain in two former cruise ship passengers, one of whom died and the other is in intensive care. The outbreak, linked to a vessel now off Cape Verde, has killed three and sickened at least four.
Health agencies are monitoring close contacts for signs of transmission given the virus’s potential for person-to-person spread in confined settings. The court of public health inquiry and further evacuations are expected to proceed as officials assess the remaining passengers and crew.