Andes virus (Orthohantavirus)
A cluster of hantavirus infections linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. WHO states that the virus involved is Andes virus, a hantavirus species known for limited person-to-person transmission in close and prolonged contact settings.
Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Non-case location
Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
Non-case location
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Non-case location
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Non-case location
MV Hondius (cruise ship), South Atlantic, International waters
5 cases
3 deaths
Jamestown, Saint Helena
Non-case location
WHO confirmed 5 cases of Andes hantavirus infection and 3 deaths among passengers and crew of the MV Hondius. The vessel was on an Antarctic expedition cruise. WHO, ECDC and national health authorities are coordinating the response. Close contacts have been identified and are being monitored.
The full scope of transmission aboard the vessel is still under investigation. It is not yet confirmed whether all cases resulted from a common environmental exposure or whether person-to-person transmission occurred. The source of the initial rodent exposure has not been publicly confirmed.
Follow guidance from your local health authority. If you were a passenger or crew member on the MV Hondius, contact your national health authority. Monitor for symptoms including fever, muscle aches and respiratory difficulty for 6 weeks after potential exposure. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop. This is not a general public health emergency for the wider population.
Andes virus is primarily transmitted through inhalation of aerosolized excreta from infected rodents. WHO notes that Andes virus is the only hantavirus for which limited person-to-person transmission has been documented, occurring in close and prolonged contact settings. The extent of person-to-person transmission in this cluster is under investigation.
WHO response to hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship
World Health Organization · May 7, 2026
Hantavirus, cruise ship, 2026-DON599
World Health Organization · May 5, 2026
Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship, May 2026
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · May 8, 2026
ECDC: Andes hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · May 8, 2026
Hantavirus cruise ship passengers treated in multiple countries
Reuters · May 8, 2026
Hantavirus deaths on Antarctic cruise: what we know
BBC News · May 8, 2026
WHO confirms Andes hantavirus cases linked to MV Hondius cruise ship
WHO confirmed 5 cases of Andes hantavirus infection and 3 deaths among passengers and crew of the MV Hondius Antarctic expedition cruise. Close contacts are being monitored.
May 7, 2026
This outbreak information is based on publicly available data from health authorities and media monitoring. It does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personal medical decisions.