Cape Verde holds cruise ship Hondius at sea after hantavirus deaths and illnesses

Passengers aboard the MV Hondius have not been allowed to disembark in Cape Verde after authorities refused permission for the ship to come ashore amid a hantavirus outbreak.

The confirmed details available so far say three people have died and at least three others were ill.

A separate report said the World Health Organization had confirmed two hantavirus cases aboard the ship and suspected human transmission.

The situation has left the vessel held at sea off Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean, with the outbreak now affecting both those on board and the ship's ability to continue normal operations.

No further details were immediately available on the condition of the sick passengers or crew.

The case matters because it combines a fast-moving public health incident with maritime restrictions, raising questions about containment and the risk of further spread.

The refusal to allow disembarkation suggests authorities are treating the outbreak as a serious health concern.

The MV Hondius is the only vessel identified in the supplied material.

The available reporting does not say when the first illness was detected, how many people are on board, or whether the deaths occurred before or after the ship reached Cape Verde.

The World Health Organization's involvement indicates the outbreak has drawn international health attention.

Its reported assessment that human transmission may be involved adds to concern, although the supplied rows do not provide details of how that conclusion was reached.

Cape Verde has not been quoted directly in the supplied material, and no official statement from the ship operator is included in the rows provided.

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