WHO Coordinates International Response to Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship
The World Health Organization (WHO) is managing a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, which has resulted in 11 cases, including three deaths. The outbreak involves the Andes virus, a strain known for human-to-human transmission, primarily in South America. The cases were reported among passengers from various countries, including the United States, France, and Spain. The outbreak was first notified to WHO on May 2, 2026, and since then, international contact tracing and epidemiological investigations have been underway. The WHO has assessed the global risk as low but continues to monitor the situation closely. The outbreak management includes case isolation, clinical management, and international contact tracing, with ongoing updates to recommendations as new data emerges.