The MV Hondius: a polar expedition vessel
The MV Hondius is a polar expedition vessel operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. Built in 2019 in the Netherlands, it is designed to navigate the icy waters of Antarctica and the Arctic. It can accommodate up to 174 passengers and 92 crew members for scientific and exploration cruises.
Timeline of events
Late April 2026: first symptoms on board
During an expedition cruise heading to Antarctica, several passengers develop severe respiratory symptoms associated with high fever. The ship's doctor initially diagnoses an atypical flu-like syndrome and implements a preventive isolation protocol.
Early May 2026: repatriation and first analyses
Faced with the deteriorating health of several passengers, the captain decides to turn back. The ship returns to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the patients are transferred to local hospitals. Initial laboratory tests reveal the presence of anti-hantavirus antibodies. The Andes strain, normally endemic to Patagonia, is identified.
8 May 2026: official WHO confirmation
The World Health Organisation (WHO) officially confirms several cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) linked to the MV Hondius. This is the first time the Andes strain has been documented in a transmission context involving European nationals outside South America.
Why the Andes strain is particularly concerning
The Andes strain has a unique characteristic among all known hantaviruses: it is capable of person-to-person transmission, in addition to classic transmission via infected rodents. Other alarming features: mortality rate of 30 to 50% in severe HPS; respiratory deterioration can occur very rapidly; no approved specific antiviral treatment.
Response from Belgian and European health authorities
The ECDC issued a preventive alert for travellers heading to South America, particularly Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. In Belgium, Sciensano strengthened epidemiological surveillance of severe respiratory syndromes and updated information sheets for healthcare professionals.
What this episode changes for surveillance in Europe
The MV Hondius incident concretely illustrates why active epidemiological surveillance of hantavirus is essential, even in Europe. Globalisation of travel can introduce exotic strains to our continent. SymptomChecker.be was developed precisely to enable early detection and rapid reporting of suspected cases. If you return from South America with respiratory symptoms or fever, consult a doctor promptly, mentioning your travel destination and that you used SymptomChecker.be to assess your symptoms.