Suspected Hantavirus on the Cruise Ship MV Hondius
Report from Tristan da Cunha Administrator Philip Kendall
As widely reported in the international media on the 3rd May 2026, including BBC News Online, a suspected outbreak of a hantavirus has occurred on the cruise ship MV Hondius during a South Atlantic island hopping voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina to the Cape Verde Islands. At the time of writing, three people have sadly died and three others are ill. The Hondius visited Tristan on the 13th to 15th April during this voyage, so this development is of serious concern to the island.
The cruise ship MV Hondius off Tristan da Cunha on the 14th April 2026. Photo: Philip Kendall
We understand that the first passenger was taken ill after the ship left South Georgia and unfortunately passed away before arrival at Tristan. Another passenger passed away following evacuation to Johannesburg, South Africa, where the cause of death was identified as a hantavirus. A third passenger passed away on board the ship en route to Cape Verde and a further passenger is in intensive care in Johannesburg, while two crew members are also being treated. The ship continued to Cape Verde, where she is currently at anchor.
The following Public Notice and FAQ were issued by the Tristan da Cunha Administrator today, the 4th May 2026:
Tristan da Cunha
PUBLIC NOTICE
You will have seen the news of an evolving situation regarding a severe illness, affecting several passengers on the MV Hondius which recently visited Tristan 13-15 April 2026.
The suspected cause is hantavirus, which is usually spread through contact with infected rodents, but may eventually pass from person-to-person. Symptoms can include fever, extreme fatigue (feeling more tired than usual), muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or shortness of breath. Some people may develop severe breathing difficulty requiring hospital care.
We know that passengers came ashore and may have had some contact with members of our local community but whilst the virus can be serious, no cases of this illness have been identified on Tristan and there is no significant cause for concern on the island at this time.
We are working closely with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and other international partners to assess and manage the situation. The islanders who travelled to St Helena on the MV Hondius are being advised by Public Health in St Helena to undertake a period of self-isolation, just as a precaution. We will do the same here where necessary. The Government will provide full support to those who are asked to do so. A full risk-based contact tracing process is underway to identify and notify such persons on St Helena, Ascension and Tristan.
The risk to the wider community is low and no additional precautions are necessary at this time. However out of the abundance of caution, should you experience a significant fever (>38°C), then you should contact the hospital on 5000 for advice but please DO NOT attend in person.
Your support and cooperation is greatly appreciated. Further updates will be provided on a regular basis.
I attach some frequently asked questions and answers for your information.
Philip Kendall
Administrator, 4th May 2026