A Dutch polar‑cruise vessel, the MV Hondius, anchored off Cape Verde after a hantavirus outbreak killed three passengers and sickened four others. The World Health Organization confirmed seven cases, including the three deaths. The ship is currently isolating passengers in their cabins while medical teams in protective gear conduct examinations.

The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, has flown two specialised aircraft to Cape Verde to evacuate two critically ill passengers to the Netherlands. Dutch authorities say the evacuations will occur within hours, but the exact timing has not yet been released.

Cape Verdean officials deployed doctors, surgeons and laboratory specialists to the ship and have intensified safety protocols at the port of Praia. Spanish health authorities are monitoring the situation and have not yet decided on a port of call.

The ship plans to depart for the Canary Islands once the evacuations are complete, a three‑day journey to either Gran Canaria or Tenerife. Discussions with Spanish and Dutch authorities are ongoing.

The World Health Organization is investigating the outbreak and monitoring potential person‑to‑person transmission. The next steps involve completing medical evacuations and moving the vessel to a safer port while authorities assess the situation.