The outbreak of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius has affected passengers and crew from multiple countries, according to the World Health Organization.
So far, eight confirmed infections and two probable cases have been identified, with three deaths linked to the outbreak.
Netherlands
- Two Dutch nationals died after contracting the virus.
- One additional Dutch case was confirmed involving the ship’s doctor.
- The infected doctor tested positive for the Andes strain and was evacuated to the Netherlands for treatment.
United Kingdom
- Two British nationals tested positive for hantavirus.
- Another British passenger was classified as a probable case pending laboratory confirmation.
- One of the infected Britons required intensive care treatment in South Africa.
Germany
- A German woman died aboard the vessel after developing pneumonia.
- Post-mortem testing later confirmed infection with the Andes strain of hantavirus.
Switzerland
- A Swiss passenger who disembarked earlier in the voyage later tested positive after returning home.
France
- A French woman repatriated from the ship tested positive after falling ill shortly after returning.
United States
- US health authorities reported one American passenger tested mildly positive for the virus, while another developed mild symptoms.
The outbreak began after passengers boarded the vessel in Ushuaia, Argentina, for a South American expedition cruise. Health authorities across several countries are continuing contact tracing and investigations into additional suspected cases.