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2mo ago

Hantavirus Cluster on MV Hondius: Three Evacuated as Tests Point to Andes Strain

WHO says the broader public risk remains low.

Hantavirus (Illustration). [Joao Luiz Bulcao / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP]
Le navire "MV Hondius" au large du Cap-Vert, le 6 mai 2026.
Le bateau de croisière "MV Hondius", toujours bloqué au large du port de Praia, capitale du Cap-Vert, le 6 mai 2026.
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Overview

  • The three suspected cases — two crew members with symptoms and one close contact — were evacuated via Cape Verde on Wednesday, clearing the way for the ship to sail to the Canary Islands in three to four days.
  • South Africa’s health minister said initial tests point to the Andes strain, which can spread between people in close contact, and Swiss authorities reported the same strain in a patient hospitalized in Zurich.
  • WHO has linked the voyage to two laboratory‑confirmed infections and several suspected cases, with three passenger deaths reported since April.
  • Health agencies are tracing contacts from an April 25 flight from St. Helena to Johannesburg and have identified a French traveler from that route for follow‑up.
  • Passengers remain confined to cabins under infection‑control rules as WHO and national teams prepare medical checks and repatriation plans once the ship docks.