Unverified claims suggest a mysterious illness linked to rodents may have affected a cruise ship, with reports of passengers being held on board.

The cruise ship MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, has become the center of a serious international health investigation after multiple passengers fell ill during an Atlantic expedition. The vessel is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde near the capital, Praia, after being denied entry to port.

The situation has raised significant concern among health authorities due to confirmed and suspected cases of hantavirus infection on board. The voyage originally began on March 20, departing from Ushuaia in southern Argentina.