Hantavirus Outbreak on Dutch Cruise Ship: Two Indian Crew Members Aboard

A hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in three fatalities and left two Indian crew members stranded. Health authorities are tracking passengers globally to prevent further spread. The situation has raised concerns, but the World Health Organization has assessed the public risk as low. As investigations continue, the focus remains on implementing health measures to contain the outbreak. Read on for more details about the ongoing situation and the response from health officials.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 8, 2026, 07:19 IST

Cruise Ship Stranded Due to Hantavirus Outbreak

Among the 149 individuals stranded on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, two are Indian crew members. This situation arises following a hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of three passengers, prompting a medical emergency in the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel, managed by Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently anchored near Cape Verde after several passengers exhibited symptoms associated with this rare and potentially lethal virus. The company has released a list indicating that the crew includes two Indian members, although their specific identities, roles, and health statuses remain undisclosed. The passengers aboard represent 23 different nationalities, including tourists from the UK, US, Germany, and Spain.

So far, the outbreak has led to three fatalities, including a Dutch couple and a German traveler. One individual in critical condition was evacuated for immediate medical care, while others are being monitored on the ship.

Global Tracking of Passengers Underway

Health officials across four continents are actively tracing and monitoring passengers who disembarked from the hantavirus-affected cruise ship prior to the outbreak's detection. In Argentina, investigators are preparing to travel to a southern town believed to be the source of the hantavirus, as confirmed by the country's Health Ministry.

On April 24, nearly two weeks after the first onboard death, over two dozen individuals from at least 12 countries left the ship without any contact tracing, according to the ship's operator and Dutch authorities. Currently, no remaining passengers or crew members are showing symptoms, as stated by Oceanwide Expeditions. Symptoms of hantavirus typically manifest between one to eight weeks post-exposure.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the risk to the general public as low, noting that hantavirus is primarily transmitted through inhalation of contaminated rodent droppings and is not easily spread between humans. Dr. Abdirahman Mahamud, the WHO's alert and response director, expressed optimism, stating, 'We believe this will be a limited outbreak if public health measures are enforced and cooperation is maintained across all nations.'

The first confirmed hantavirus case on the ship was reported on May 2.