Ushuaia: A luxury expedition cruise in the Atlantic has been rocked by a deadly health scare after three passengers died and several others fell ill with a rare rodent-borne virus.
The outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius, which had been sailing from Ushuaia in Argentina toward Cape Verde when the first signs of illness emerged.
Health officials say at least one case has been confirmed as hantavirus, a rare but potentially fatal infection spread through contact with contaminated rodent droppings or urine.
Several other passengers are suspected of having contracted the disease, prompting urgent investigations and medical interventions.
The first known victim, a 70-year-old passenger, developed symptoms while still at sea and later died on board. His body was transferred to Saint Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic. Shortly after, his 69-year-old wife also became ill. She was evacuated to South Africa but died in a Johannesburg hospital despite medical efforts.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the victims’ nationalities, but reports indicate that another passenger currently in intensive care is a 69-year-old British national.
WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died… pic.twitter.com/SqMAAZzoID
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 3, 2026
The World Health Organization has stepped in to coordinate efforts across multiple countries as the situation unfolds. At least six individuals have shown symptoms linked to the outbreak, with one patient in critical condition and others under close observation.
Medical teams are carrying out laboratory testing and tracing possible exposure routes, while genetic sequencing of the virus is underway to better understand the strain involved. Efforts are also ongoing to safely evacuate other passengers showing signs of infection.
Rare but Dangerous Disease
Hantavirus infections are uncommon but can lead to severe respiratory illness or hemorrhagic fever in advanced stages. The virus is not typically spread from person to person, but confined environments such as ships can complicate containment and response efforts.
