Praia, Cabe Verde. The World Health Organization (WHO), in close coordination with the Government of Cape Verde and international partners, supported a rapid and coordinated response to a hantavirus outbreak identified aboard a cruise ship that remained off the coast of Praia between May 3 and 6, 2026.

Background

The WHO was notified on May 2, 2026, of an outbreak of severe respiratory illness aboard a vessel en route to Cape Verde. By May 6, three deaths had been identified, one patient was in intensive care in South Africa, and three symptomatic passengers were on board the ship. Reported symptoms included fever, gastrointestinal manifestations, and rapid progression to pneumonia and acute respiratory failure.

The ship, carrying approximately 147 passengers and crew members of 23 nationalities, remained anchored off the coast of Praia, without permission to disembark, as a preventive public health measure adopted by national authorities.

Coordinated WHO response

The response was conducted in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005) and prioritized the protection of the population, adequate clinical care for patients, and the reduction of the risk of transmission.

Among the main actions taken were:

• international coordination between Cape Verde, WHO, and health authorities in the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, and the United Kingdom;
• conducting joint risk assessments and continuously sharing epidemiological information;
• mobilizing specialized technical teams to provide medical and operational support on board;
• strengthening laboratory capacity, transporting samples to the IPD Reference Laboratory, and providing personal protective equipment;
• supporting national authorities in epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing, and infection prevention and control measures;
• regular communication with the public and partners to ensure evidence-based information and prevent misinformation.

Support to national authorities

WHO worked closely with the Ministry of Health of Cape Verde and other national institutions to strengthen response capacity and ensure the implementation of appropriate public health measures.

Technical teams also supported monitoring of the situation at the port and the preparation of referral facilities for potential case management.

Risk assessment

Based on available information, WHO assessed the risk to the population in Cape Verde as low.

Medical evacuation of symptomatic patients and continuation of the voyage

On May 6, the three symptomatic patients were evacuated to the Netherlands on two air ambulances in an international operation involving Cape Verde, the World Health Organization (WHO), and authorities from the United Kingdom, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Following this evacuation, the ship continued its journey to its next destination, the Canary Islands. All passengers and crew disembarked on May 10 on the island of Tenerife. It should be noted that during this voyage, medical care was reinforced with the addition of two Dutch doctors and a WHO physician specializing in epidemiology.

Ongoing Commitment

The WHO will continue to support national authorities and international partners in monitoring the situation, coordinating response measures, and protecting public health. The Organization reaffirms the importance of international cooperation, early surveillance, and transparency in managing public health events with potential international impact.