Hantavirus Outbreak: Boston Influencer Gives Statement From Cruise Ship.

Cabo Verde - May 04, 2026 A Boston travel influencer says he is among those trapped on the MV Hondius cruise ship amid a deadly hantavirus outbreak. Jake Rosmarin, a Boston photographer with about 80,000 combined followers on Instagram and TikTok, posted a video and two other posts to both platforms this week recounting his experience. The first post on Monday was a statement confirming that he is on board the ship: For those who have seen recent news, yes, I am currently onboard the M/V Hondius, he wrote. Out of respect for those involved and the situation, I won’t be making any public comments at this time. I kindly ask that media inquiries are directed elsewhere for now. Thank you for understanding. In a video post several hours later, he tearfully shared additional details about the ordeal. I normally wouldn't make a video like this, but I feel like I need to say something, so I wrote a few things down. I am currently on board the MV Hondius, and what's happening right now is very real for all of us here. We're not just a story, we're not just headlines. We're people, people with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home, he said. There's a lot of uncertainty, and that's the hardest part. All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home, so if you're seeing coverage about this, just remember that there are real people behind it and this isn't something happening far away. It's happening to us right now. I'll share more when I can, but for now I just ask for your kindness and understanding. Thank you. In a third post later in the day, Rosmarin offered an apology of sorts, saying he didn't mean to worry anyone and that everyone on board is doing OK. Right now, the priority is making sure those who are sick receive the care they need, as well as getting to a place where we can safely disembark and access medical support, he wrote. I also want to recognize that Oceanwide Expeditions and the entire crew have been handling a very difficult situation with care, and I’m really grateful for everything they’re doing. There’s still some uncertainty, but it’s reassuring to know there is a plan in place, and I hope to be able to share more updates soon. Thank you all so much for the love and support, it truly means more than I can put into words. For now, just taking things one step at a time, we will be okay. Hantavirus, a rodent-borne illness, is suspected of causing an outbreak aboard the MV Hondius that has killed three people and sickened at least three others. The ship and its 150 passengers are still waiting for help off the coast of Africa. Studies indicate hantaviruses have been around for centuries, with outbreaks documented in Asia and Europe. In the Eastern Hemisphere, it has been linked with hemorrhagic fever and kidney failure. It wasn’t until the early 1990s that a previously unknown group of hantaviruses emerged in the southwestern United States as the cause of an acute respiratory disease now known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The disease gained attention last year after late actor Gene Hackman ’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from a hantavirus infection in New Mexico. SHOTLIST Video released by Rosmarin on 4 May. [Credit: Instargam/jakerosmarin]