1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
In focus
IranUkraineHantavirus
Latest audioLatest videos
Live TV
HealthGlobal issues

Deadly virus outbreak suspected on cruise ship in Atlantic

Marianna Evenstein
May 4, 2026

Three people have died in a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship off the coast of Cape Verde. The World Health Organization says one case is confirmed, with several more under investigation.

https://p.dw.com/p/5DDae

What exactly is hantavirus, should the general public be concerned, and how difficult is it for medical teams to manage a potential viral outbreak on a vessel like the MV Hondius? Owais Durrani, emergency medicine physician and medical analyst, shares his insights with DW.

Skip next section Similar stories

Similar stories

Health personnel returning from the cruise ship MV Hondius, are seen at the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, as individuals wearing hazmat suits are helped into an ambulance

Hantavirus: Company says no symptomatic guests on ship

The company operating the cruise ship struck by the hantavirus said that no passengers with symptoms remained on board.
HealthMay 7, 2026
The MV Hondius as pictured on May 3, 2025

Spain to receive hantavirus-hit ship in Canary Islands

Three passengers abord the MV Hondius have died after a hantavirus outbreak onboard.
HealthMay 5, 2026
This aerial picture shows a general view of the cruise ship MV Hondius stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 3, 2025

Suspected Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship kills 3 — WHO

The virus usually spreads by contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents like rats and mice.
HealthMay 4, 2026
Show more
Skip next section More on Health from around the world

More on Health from around the world

Dr. Larry Hinkson examines pregnant patient Jorinde Weide at a hospital in Berlin.

Two doctors fight to stop the global C-section surge

Unnecessary C-sections put mothers at risk. Two doctors are working to replace these surgeries with safe vaginal births.
HealthDecember 14, 202511:54 min
This image is from the DW program “Sex & the Body,” episode 17, which deals with the topic of miscarriage. It shows baby clothes and toys scattered around a blackboard, with a pacifier and a heart-shaped necklace on top. The heart is empty.

Miscarriage: Common. Not your fault. Let's talk.

Miscarriage is more common than you think. Not talking about it afterwards can only deepen the feeling of loss.
HealthNovember 12, 202509:58 min
DW In Good Shape Sendungslogo Composite

In Good Shape — The Health Show

Medics and researchers give us the lowdown on mint, sage and ginger. What are the best home remedies?
HealthSeptember 20, 202426:04 min
Show more