Geneva, Switzerland — May 8, 2026
The World Health Organization has issued an international alert to 12 countries following confirmed cases of Hantavirus linked to a cruise ship outbreak, raising fresh global health concerns.
Health officials confirmed that at least five cases have been linked to the outbreak, while three additional cases remain under investigation. A total of eight people have developed severe respiratory illness, including three fatalities.
Confirmed Andes Virus Cases Raise Concern
Among the confirmed infections, five cases have been identified as the Andes virus, a rare but potentially serious strain known to cause severe respiratory complications.
The outbreak has been traced to passengers aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which had recently traveled through the South Atlantic region.
12 Countries Put on Alert
The WHO has notified 12 countries whose citizens disembarked earlier from the vessel at Saint Helena.
The affected countries include:
- Canada
- Denmark
- Germany
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Singapore
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- United States
Authorities in these nations are now tracing passengers and monitoring potential exposures.
WHO: Outbreak Likely ‘Limited’ but Monitoring Continues
Speaking in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that if appropriate public health measures are implemented quickly, the outbreak is expected to remain “limited.”
However, he cautioned that investigations are ongoing and additional cases may emerge as contact tracing expands across multiple countries.
Testing Kits Deployed, Response Intensifies
To support containment efforts, laboratories in Argentina are dispatching approximately 2,500 hantavirus testing kits to five countries.
The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, confirmed that 149 individuals from 23 countries were onboard the vessel.
Suspected Cases Isolated in Canary Islands
Meanwhile, two suspected hantavirus patients evacuated from the ship remain in isolation aboard a grounded air ambulance in the Canary Islands.
Health officials are closely monitoring their condition while awaiting confirmatory test results.
Global Health Vigilance Intensifies
The WHO’s alert underscores the importance of rapid international coordination in managing infectious disease risks, particularly in travel-related settings.
While the current risk is considered contained, authorities emphasize continued vigilance as investigations unfold.
