EU Monitors Hantavirus Outbreak Aboard Dutch Cruise Ship MV Hondius

EU Health Monitoring and Coordination

The European Union has announced it is closely monitoring suspected cases of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius, a Dutch-registered cruise ship. The EU is coordinating with member states and various health authorities to prepare a response if necessary.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is currently in contact with national public health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO). This coordination is intended to assess available epidemiological information and determine potential implications for Europe. While the EU is monitoring the situation, the ECDC has stated that the risk for Europe remains very low.

Details of the Outbreak

The outbreak involves a cluster of passengers suffering from severe acute respiratory illness. Health officials have identified at least eight confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus tied to the vessel. The cluster has resulted in three deaths and one individual who remains severely ill.

According to the World Health Organization, the cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness was first reported to the organization on May 2, 2026. The European Union Reference Laboratory has been involved in the diagnosis of Andes virus (ANDV).

Vessel Status and Location

The MV Hondius was traveling in the Atlantic and is registered in the Netherlands. At the time of the report, the ship was located off the coast of Cabo Verde with 149 people on board.

Reports indicate the vessel is now en route to the Canary Islands. The remaining passengers are expected to be repatriated from the Canary Islands, provided they do not exhibit symptoms.

Response Operations

The ECDC is supporting response operations through the EU Health Task Force (EUHTF). This support is being provided both remotely and directly on the cruise ship, in coordination with the affected countries.