What is the hantavirus that has been confirmed on an Atlantic cruise ship?

Three people have died after a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship en route from Argentina to Cape Verde, the World Health Organization tells the BBC.

A 70-year-old male passenger became ill on the MV Hondius cruise and died on arrival at St Helena Island, a South African health official says - adding that the man's remains are now "awaiting repatriation to the Netherlands".

The man's wife, 69, also became ill and died in hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa - a South African official says the couple were Dutch.

The only confirmed case of the virus is a 69-year-old British national, who is in intensive care in Johannesburg, while two crew members on board need urgent medical assistance.

Dutch officials are planning the repatriation of two symptomatic individuals as well as the body of the third person who died, which is still on board the vessel.

Hantavirus refers to a strain of viruses carried by rodents, primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings.

The WHO told the BBC that "detailed investigations" into the suspected hantavirus cases are "ongoing, including further laboratory testing".

The outbreak was reported aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.

Here's what we know about hantavirus.

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus refers to a strain of viruses carried by rodents, primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of airborne particles from dried rodent droppings.

Infections typically occur when the virus becomes airborne from a rodent's urine, droppings, or saliva, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Though rare, it can also spread through rodent bites or scratches.

The virus can cause two severe illnesses. The first, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), often starts with fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, followed by headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal issues. If respiratory symptoms develop, the mortality rate is approximately 38%, according to the CDC.

The second illness, Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal syndrome (HFRS), is more severe and primarily affects the kidneys. Later symptoms can include low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.

How many cases of Hantavirus are reported globally?

There are an estimated 150,000 cases of HFRS worldwide each year, primarily in Europe and Asia, according to a report from the National Institutes of Health. More than half of the cases typically occur in China.

The latest data from the US shows that from between 1993, when surveillance of hantavirus began, until 2023, there were 890 cases in the country.

However, Seoul virus, one of the main strains of hantavirus that is carried by Norway rats (also known as the brown rat), is found worldwide, including in the US.

How is it treated?

There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections.

The CDC recommends supportive care to treat symptoms that could include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, antiviral medications and even dialysis.

Patients with severe symptoms may need to be admitted to hospitals in intensive care units. In severe cases, some may need to be intubated.

The CDC recommends eliminating contact with rodents in homes or workplaces to reduce exposure to the virus.

The agency also recommends sealing entry points in basements or attics where rodents may enter homes.

Wearing protective gear is also suggested when cleaning up rodent droppings to avoid inhaling contaminated air.

Have there been recent hantavirus cases?

In February 2025, Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, died from a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus.

Medical investigators believe Arakawa contracted HPS - the most common strain in the US - which led to her death.

Nests and some dead rodents were found in outbuildings of her house where she was found.

Police records showed that Arakawa searched the internet for information about flu and Covid symptoms in the days before she died.