Hantavirus Live Updates: The CDC classifies the outbreak as a “Level 3” emergency response.
Other passengers on the MV Hondius are staying calm and keeping their spirits up, says a passenger on the cruise ship amid a cluster of hantavirus cases.
In a statement provided to ABC News, passenger Qasim Bin Hatuta said that many doctors are now on board the ship, which he said is reassuring for passengers who wear masks and maintain their distance inside the ship.
“The atmosphere on board may have been quiet with some anxiety because we were worried about patients, but now it feels no different than any of the other days at sea we’ve had before,” he said in the statement. “Everyone is keeping the spirit high[s]”People are smiling and dealing with the situation calmly.”
The cruise ship MV Hondius departs from the port of Praia, Cape Verde, on May 6, 2026.
Misper Abawo/AFP
The statement went on to say: “Several doctors joined us on board before leaving Cape Verde, which was also reassuring as we now have specialists on board, and no one is currently experiencing any symptoms associated with Hantavirus and we hope it will continue that way.”
He said passengers are free to share what they like online, but some passengers have chosen not to post anything publicly because they want to maintain their privacy.
