Three passengers have died and multiple others have been evacuated after a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, a cruise ship now anchored off Cape Verde. The Andes strain of the virus, confirmed in several cases, can spread between humans through close contact, according to health authorities in South Africa and Switzerland. The ship, carrying over 140 people from at least 15 countries, is under health protocols with passengers confined to cabins.

The first fatalities were a Dutch couple who boarded in Argentina on April 1 after traveling in South America. The husband died April 11; his body was removed in Saint Helena. The wife left the ship April 24, fell critically ill en route to Johannesburg, and died April 26. A German passenger who developed fever on April 28 died May 2 aboard the ship. A British passenger was evacuated April 24 and is in intensive care in South Africa with confirmed hantavirus.

Two crew members—one British, one Dutch—and a non-symptomatic passenger linked to the deceased German woman were evacuated May 4. A Swiss national who disembarked earlier is receiving treatment in Zurich. Most of the crew are Filipino, and passengers include groups from the U.S., Britain, Spain and the Netherlands. Cape Verde has refused docking permission.

The World Health Organization confirmed that disinfection measures are underway and passengers remain isolated. The virus, typically rodent-borne, has low community transmission risk but requires intense contact for spread. There are no vaccines or specific treatments.

Spain's health ministry said the MV Hondius is expected to arrive in the Canary Islands in the coming days for decontamination, epidemiological investigation, and further medical evaluation. The WHO will coordinate with Spanish and Cape Verdean authorities on the next steps.