Hantavirus Outbreak 2026 LIVE: WHO Confirms Three Deaths, Says 'Public Health Risk Is Low'

A rare but potentially deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship crossing the Atlantic has sparked international health concerns.

The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, a Dutch expedition cruise ship carrying over 140 passengers and crew after a journey through South America and Antarctica.

Health authorities in several countries are now tracing passengers who disembarked before the outbreak was fully detected. So far, at least three passengers have died, several others have fallen ill, and contacts across more than a dozen countries are being monitored.

Investigators in Argentina believe the infections may have originated during a birdwatching excursion in Ushuaia, near the country’s southern tip.

According to reports, the first known death

was a 70-year-old Dutch passenger who died on board on April 11. His wife later disembarked and travelled to South Africa, where she also died. A third victim, a German woman, died on May 2.

Authorities later confirmed hantavirus infection in a British passenger who was evacuated to South Africa and remains in intensive care. Two Indian crew members are also among the 149 people currently stranded aboard the Dutch-flagged vessel.

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