Cape Verde blocks cruise ship after suspected hantavirus outbreak kills three passengers
Residents and tourists have expressed concern after Cape Verdean authorities blocked a cruise ship from docking in the capital, Praia, following a suspected hantavirus outbreak that left three passengers dead.
The MV Hondius, carrying around 150 people, remains offshore as health officials assess the situation and implement containment measures. The Ministry of Health said it activated emergency protocols after alerts from the World Health Organisation and placed the vessel under strict sanitary monitoring.
“The vessel should be kept far from the city until the situation is fully understood,” one resident warned. “Cape Verde is a small country, and we must take maximum precautions against any unknown disease."
Authorities have stated that the risk to the public is “low,” but concerns persist among residents about possible exposure and wider impacts.
Reports indicate that the MV Hondius will remain under quarantine until a final destination is agreed upon with international health authorities.
Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, including their saliva, urine, or faeces. Human-to-human transmission is rare, but severe cases can lead to respiratory failure or haemorrhagic fever.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
