Nightmare on the Atlantic: Rare Virus Kills Three Aboard Cruise Ship

Five cases of suspected hantavirus may be the cause of death for several vacationers on the Atlantic Ocean. Here's what you need to know about a silent killer.

So far, one case has been confirmed to be hantavirus. The rare infection can turn serious in some, and often, its symptoms are easy to overlook.

Early Symptoms Can Turn Deadly

Hantavirus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which affects the lungs and is often caused by inhaling particles from infected mouse and other rodent droppings. Its early symptoms can be flu-like, with most experiencing muscle aches, fever, and fatigue.

For people with a healthy immune system, the symptoms may not cause a severe reaction, but for others with chronic health issues, they may experience more severe symptoms.

Some people experience dizziness, headaches, chills, and diarrhea. The CDC says late symptoms can appear four to 10 days after the initial symptoms start, and can include coughing and shortness of breath.

The MV Hondius Ship

The MV Hondius ship left Argentina for a three-week trip heading to the Canary Islands, stopping in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan, St. Helena, Ascension and Cape Verde, according to the New York Times.

Foster Mohale, a spokesman for the National Department of Health in South Africa, said passengers of an international cruise ship, MV Hondius, were in South African medical facilities "following serious health complications arising from undiagnosed severe acute respiratory infection."

The tragedy took a personal turn when a 70-year-old passenger succumbed to the virus upon arrival at St. Helena. In a devastating twist, his wife, while attempting to repatriate his remains to the Netherlands, also fell ill and passed away shortly after.

As of today, the MV Hondius remains docked in Cape Verde while health officials conduct a deep-clean and environmental assessment, ensuring that the ship is safe before it once again sets sail.

Last year, officials in New Mexico confirmed that actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, an accomplished piano player, died from complications of hantavirus at their home.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 6:09 PM.