By Sheriff Saidykhan
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Member States to strengthen port health services, reinforce infection prevention and control measures, and ensure timely reporting of suspected cases amid Hantavirus outbreak.
The cluster of hantavirus infections identified among individuals travelling on the international cruise ship MV Hondius, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on 20 March 2026 for the Canary Islands via Cabo Verde.
Hantaviruses are primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent excreta, saliva or urine and are not typically associated with sustained human-to-human transmission.
According to the Africa CDC a cluster of severe respiratory illness was reported among passengers aboard the vessel, which carried a total of 147 individuals, including crew. As of 4 May 2026, seven cases of hantavirus infection have been identified (two laboratory-confirmed and five suspected cases).
“Among these, three fatalities have been recorded; one patient remains in critical condition under medical care in South Africa, and three individuals are experiencing mild symptoms.” said Africa CDC.
Authorities from Cabo Verde, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and the United Kingdom have initiated a coordinated international response, including case investigation, isolation and clinical management, medical evacuation and laboratory testing.
“Laboratory confirmation has been conducted at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa. Further analyses, including serology, sequencing and metagenomics, are ongoing.” the release added.
Africa CDC said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with affected countries to provide support as needed.
