Countries Linked to Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius: Full Passenger List

The unfolding crisis aboard the cruise liner MV Hondius has put the list of countries linked to hantavirus outbreak under intense scrutiny. The World Health Organization reports ↑ 8 confirmed infections, including ↓ 3 deaths, as the ship sails toward the Canary Islands. Authorities are combing through passenger manifests that span 23 nationalities, aiming to contain the Andes strain – the only hantavirus known to spread between humans.

Countries Linked to Hantavirus Outbreak

Argentina

Departing Ushuaia on April 1, the Hondius carried at least one Argentine national. Hantavirus is endemic in the country, which has logged 101 cases since June 2025, nearly double the previous year (AP News).

Cape Verde

The vessel lingered off Praia after local officials barred docking. Three passengers were airlifted to the Netherlands for treatment.

Germany

Eight Germans were on board, including a crew member. One female passenger died; another asymptomatic German was evacuated to Düsseldorf for testing.

Netherlands

Flying under a Dutch flag, the ship has 13 Dutch citizens (8 passengers, 5 crew). Two Dutch nationals are among the fatalities; one was confirmed positive after a brief layover on a KLM flight in Johannesburg.

Philippines

The crew includes 38 Filipino sailors, none of whom have shown symptoms, according to the Philippine health undersecretary.

South Africa

A Dutch woman succumbed in Johannesburg after boarding from St. Helena; South African health officials have traced over 60 contacts.

Spain

Fourteen Spaniards (13 passengers, 1 crew) are aboard. The Spanish health ministry says the Canary Islands must receive the ship per international law, though the regional president warns against disembarkation.

Switzerland

A Swiss man tested positive after returning home; he is receiving care at University Hospital Zurich while his wife self‑isolates.

United Kingdom

Nineteen Britons and four crew members traveled on the cruise. One British passenger in intensive care was evacuated to South Africa; another crew member was later airlifted for observation.

United States

Seventeen Americans are among the guests. Health departments in Arizona, Georgia and California are monitoring former passengers; none have reported symptoms yet (Reuters).

“The overall public‑health risk remains low, but we must act swiftly,” said WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Other nationals from Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Greece, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Japan, Montenegro, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine are currently asymptomatic and will be repatriated once the vessel docks.