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Three Dead in Suspected Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak
May 3, 2026
Posted 2 hours ago by
Denise Balibouse/ReutersThree passengers have died amid a suspected virus outbreak on an Atlantic cruise ship, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). One case of hantavirus has been confirmed, with five more under investigation. The MV Hondius ship embarked from Ushuaia, Argentina, on March 20 and was scheduled to end its journey in Cape Verde on May 4.
South African authorities shared that a 70-year-old Dutch man died on board after being the first to show symptoms, with his 69-year-old wife dying in a Johannesburg hospital after being transferred from the ship. A source told AFP news agency that the third dead passenger is still aboard, with discussions underway to confirm care plans for two other sick passengers. Hantavirus among humans is mainly spread from exposure to infected rodents and affects the lungs. The WHO is helping to coordinate the suspected outbreak aboard the MV Hondius and will carry out a full public risk assessment. The Daily Beast has reached out to Oceanwide Expeditions for comment.Read it at BBCRead more at The Daily Beast.
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