Hantavirus Outbreak Update: Hondius Cruise Ship Not Allowed to Dock

The Hondius, the cruise ship embroiled in the suspected deadly hantavirus outbreak, has been refused permission to dock at the port of Praia in Cape Verde, Africa. Officials decided not to let the vessel dock "as a precautionary measure."

The ship departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, around three weeks ago, bound for the Canary Islands. Hantaviruses are rare, primarily found in rodents, and can be transmitted through contact with infected rodents' urine, feces, or saliva. One notable hantavirus infection is the late Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, who died from the virus last year.

So far, the virus is suspected to have claimed the lives of three people aboard the Hondius. Three more are currently sick, with one person in critical condition. The latter is currently hospitalized in Johannesburg, South Africa, while the other two are still on the ship with 147 other passengers. They're all required to isolate and adhere to medical monitoring.

Per NBC, the passenger in critical condition is the only confirmed hantavirus case, while the other five are suspected cases. Two of the deceased were a married couple from the Netherlands, and the third victim was a German national.

On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement, reassuring the public that the risk of transmission is "low" and that there's "no need for panic." The WHO is working closely with officials to evacuate the passengers in need of medical attention, with one source from Cape Verde confirming that "an air ambulance was being prepared."

Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise operator, revealed that the Hondius may depart from Cape Verde for Las Palmas or Tenerife, both of which are in the Canary Islands, and dock there.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 10:49 AM.