A cluster of Andes hantavirus infections linked to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius in the South Atlantic has resulted in multiple cases among passengers and crew from several countries. The outbreak involves Andes virus (ANDV), the only hantavirus known to cause limited person-to-person transmission, typically through close and prolonged contact.
Updates on new reported cases between 8 and 15 May 2026:
New cases - three new cases after the after evacuation from the cruise ship:
- One confirmed case in France – who became symptomatic during repatriation.
- One confirmed case in Spain.
- One of the passengers who was evacuated from the ship had a positive result for hantavirus by PCR on 12 May 2026. The person was asymptomatic at the time of testing but successively developed respiratory symptoms. The individual currently remains in isolation.
- One inconclusive case was reported in the United States involving an asymptomatic passenger repatriated on 10 May, with conflicting laboratory results (one positive and one negative from separate laboratories). A second US citizen reportedly developed mild symptoms during evacuation, although details remain unclear based on currently available information.
Total cases:
- 11 cases (8 confirmed, 2 probable, 1 inconclusive case), including 3 deaths.
Other news:
- The cruise ship MV Hondius arrived at the port of Granadilla, Tenerife on Sunday 10 May.
- Disembarkation of guests and part of the crew was carried out and completed on 11 May. Disembarked guests and crew members were transported to the airport and repatriated via evacuation flights throughout 10 and 11 May.
- Evacuation was carried out from Tenerife to the following countries: Spain (14), France (5), Canada (4), the Netherlands (26), UK (22), Ireland (2), Turkey (3), US (17).
- The ship departed Tenerife on 11 May and is expected to arrive in the Netherlands on 17–18 May.
- Preliminary genome sequencing analysis showed high genetic similarities between isolates of Andes virus, likely indicating an initial zoonotic spillover event followed by human-to-human transmission.
- Investigations into the travel history and potential exposures of the first case in the Southern Cone are ongoing and suggest possible exposure to rodents during bird watching activities.
- For details, see ECDC and WHO reports, or on BEACON.
- For contact management: see WHO LINK.
Additional cases among cruise ship passengers remain possible due to the long incubation period of hantavirus infection, which can last up to 6–8 weeks. However, current response measures — including quarantine of disembarked passengers, rapid isolation of suspected cases, and contact monitoring — are expected to reduce the risk of further transmission.
Hantaviruses are rodent-borne zoonotic viruses transmitted to humans primarily through contact with contaminated rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Human infections are rare but can cause severe and sometimes fatal disease.
Two main clinical syndromes are associated with hantavirus infection:
- Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) occurs mainly in the Americas; it can rapidly progress from fever and flu-like symptoms to respiratory failure, pulmonary oedema, shock, and death. Case fatality is high, typically ranging from 20–40% and may reach up to 50%, particularly among older adults and people with comorbidities.
- Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) occurs mainly in Europe and Asia. It primarily affects the kidneys and blood vessels, potentially causing hypotension, bleeding disorders, and renal failure. Case fatality is generally lower, ranging from less than 1% to 15%, depending on the virus and setting.
Transmission: Most hantaviruses are associated with specific rodent reservoir species that carry the virus without apparent illness. Human-to-human transmission is not typically and has only been documented with Andes virus in South America, primarily among close and prolonged contacts. Exposure risk increases during activities that disturb rodent-contaminated environments, such as cleaning enclosed spaces, farming, forestry work, or sleeping in rodent-infested dwellings.
Symptoms usually begin 1–8 weeks after exposure and include fever, headache, myalgia, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Diagnosis can be difficult in the early stages because symptoms overlap with influenza, COVID-19, leptospirosis, dengue, viral pneumonia, and sepsis Confirmation relies on serology, especially IgM or rising IgG titres, and RT-PCR during acute illness.
Treatment: There is no licensed specific antiviral treatment or vaccine. Management is supportive, with close monitoring and treatment of respiratory, cardiac, and renal complications. Early recognition and access to intensive care when needed are essential to improve survival.
The risk to the general population is considered very low, while the risk for cruise ship passengers is assessed as moderate. Of note: Even if transmission from evacuated passengers occurs, widespread community spread is unlikely, as Andes virus (ANDV) does not transmit easily and infection prevention measures are in place.
Travel in areas where hanta virus is: Very low risk for travellers.
- Avoid contact with rodents and their feces (wear a mask and gloves when handling a dead/sick animal or cleaning contaminated surfaces). When camping/ecotourism, close tents and cabins to prevent rodents from entering and protect your food from contamination in airtight boxes.