Hantavirus outbreak triggers cruise ship quarantine off West Africa

38 Filipino crew aboard MV Hondius were placed under medical watch.

Health authorities are closely monitoring a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the Netherlands-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, which carries 38 Filipino crew members among its multinational workforce.

Government and Industry Response

The vessel has been placed under quarantine off the coast of Cape Verde, an island country in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the northwestern coast of Africa, following reports of three passenger deaths.

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal infection linked to exposure to rodent waste, typically affecting the respiratory system. While human-to-human transmission is uncommon, health experts stress that early detection and immediate medical response are critical since there is currently no specific cure for the infection.

The Department of Health has reported that, so far, none of the Filipino crew members have shown signs of illness. It added that no local hantavirus cases have been recorded in the country and assured the public that monitoring is ongoing in coordination with international health partners.

No signs of illness

Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers has yet to issue an update on the condition and welfare of the Filipino seafarers, as families await more information amid the developing situation at sea.

The ship operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, has described the incident as a “serious medical situation” while coordinating with authorities on board and onshore.