Passenger on MV Hondius develops respiratory symptoms during Antarctic expedition.
First passenger dies aboard MV Hondius. Cause initially unknown.
Second passenger dies. Ship diverts course toward South Africa.
MV Hondius emergency docks in Cape Town. Critically ill passengers evacuated.
Lab results confirm Andes Hantavirus — a strain known for human-to-human transmission.
WHO confirms human-to-human transmission of the Andes strain among close contacts.
Three patients medevac'd to hospitals in Germany and Netherlands. One diagnosed in Zurich.
Director-General Tedros confirms 8 cases, 3 deaths and 5 medical evacuations linked to MV Hondius.
ECDC reports an additional suspected case onboard. Totals: 5 confirmed, 2 probable, 1 suspected.
MV Hondius en route to Granadilla, Tenerife. Spanish authorities prepare quarantine reception for 10 May arrival.
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents. They cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), both potentially fatal conditions.
Yes. The Andes strain involved in this outbreak is the only hantavirus confirmed to spread through human-to-human close contact, making it uniquely dangerous compared to other strains.
As of May 7, 2026, the MV Hondius departed Cape Verde and is heading towards Tenerife, Spain. Remaining passengers on board are asymptomatic and being monitored.
A total of 147 people who were on board the ship are being tracked globally. Currently, 5 confirmed and 3 suspected cases have been identified across South Africa, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands.
There is currently no approved vaccine for hantavirus. Treatment is supportive — patients in severe cases require intensive care with mechanical ventilation and careful fluid management.