Cape Verde Hantavirus contact person in Düsseldorf clinic
The hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship "Hondius" is now also keeping doctors in Germany busy: one person arrived at Düsseldorf University Hospital (UKD) late on Wednesday evening in a special transport convoy for a precautionary examination.
07.05.2026, 04:32
07.05.2026, 04:43
SDA
Emergency services from the Düsseldorf fire department had picked up the person, who had been in contact with a hantavirus case on the ship, at Amsterdam airport.
There had also been three deaths following infections with the hantavirus on the "Hondius" - an elderly Dutch couple and a German woman died. Three people were taken off the ship under medical escort, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the Dutch Foreign Ministry, one of them was a 65-year-old German woman. She is now being examined in Düsseldorf. On request, the UKD did not provide any further information on the person expected - neither on age, gender nor place of residence.
In addition, a man who returned from a cruise in South America tested positive for hantavirus in Switzerland. He is currently being treated at Zurich University Hospital, where he was immediately isolated. This was announced by the Federal Office of Public Health on Wednesday.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), a large proportion of hantavirus infections in Germany are asymptomatic or have unspecific symptoms. However, the viruses can also cause fever accompanied by bleeding and kidney damage. However, there is also a group of hantaviruses whose infection can lead to nausea, vomiting, coughing and lung disease. This includes the South American Andean virus.
Person shows no symptoms
The person's condition is currently stable and they are not showing any symptoms of infection, the Düsseldorf fire department announced after taking over the contact person at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
"This is a contact person without confirmed evidence of a hantavirus infection", the hospital had already announced at midday before arrival. The person from Germany was admitted as a precautionary measure for medical clarification. No further details were given. An initial clinical assessment and infectiological examinations are pending at the infection ward.
Specialized clinic on Tenerife
After days of uncertainty, there is at least a clear perspective for the almost 150 people on board the cruise ship. Spain granted the ship, which flies the Dutch flag, permission to call at a port in the Canary Islands, namely Tenerife.
There is a clinic specializing in epidemics on the vacation island. The crew and passengers are to be examined there and receive medical treatment if necessary. They could later return to their respective home countries.
The "Hondius" left Cape Verde on Wednesday evening, bound for the Canary Islands. The route is expected to take three to four days, explained the operator Oceanwide Expeditions. In Cape Verde, three additional medically trained people have boarded to ensure optimal medical care for the route.
