Update: Suspected hantavirus cases on Atlantic cruise ship leave three dead: WHO
To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa
05 May, 2026
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The World Health Organization said on Sunday it was supporting a public health response involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean after one confirmed case of hantavirus infection and five additional suspected cases were identified among passengers. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa, the UN health agency said.
According to WHO, the vessel departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 and followed an itinerary across the South Atlantic, with multiple stops in remote and ecologically diverse regions, including mainland Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island. The extent of passenger contact with local wildlife during the voyage, or prior to boarding in Ushuaia remains undetermined. The vessel carries a total of 147 individuals, including 88 passengers and 59 crew members. Onboard passengers and crew represent 23 nationalities.
As of May 4, the vessel is moored off the coast of Cabo Verde.
Update: Seven cases (two laboratory confirmed cases of hantavirus and five suspected cases) have been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient and three individuals reporting mild symptoms. Illness onset occurred between April 6 and 28 and was characterised by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock. Further investigations are ongoing.
WHO said investigations were ongoing, including further laboratory testing, epidemiological reviews and virus sequencing.
Medical care and support were being provided to passengers and crew onboard the vessel, it added.
WHO said it was coordinating with member states and the ship’s operator to medically evacuate two symptomatic passengers and conduct a full public health risk assessment for those remaining onboard.
Hantavirus infections linked to contact with urine or faeces from infected rodents
Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure, including contact with urine or faeces from infected rodents, WHO said.
While infections are rare, the agency said hantavirus can in some cases spread between people and may lead to severe respiratory illness, requiring close monitoring and public health intervention.
WHO said it had informed national focal points under the International Health Regulations and would issue a Disease Outbreak News update for the public.
