A deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship has raised global health concerns, but the World Health Organization (WHO) is quick to reassure the public that the situation does not resemble the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of May 2026, the cruise ship MV Hondius has seen five confirmed cases of hantavirus infection and three deaths, with three additional suspected cases among passengers and crew. The ship, currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde, has evacuated two confirmed patients and one suspected case to the Netherlands for medical treatment.
The Andes strain of hantavirus, which is circulating on the ship, is known to be particularly dangerous. Unlike some other hantaviruses, the Andes strain can spread directly from person to person, a characteristic that has heightened concerns about the potential for wider transmission. However, WHO officials emphasize that the risk of a large-scale epidemic remains low. “We know this virus,” a WHO spokesperson stated in a recent briefing. “The mode of transmission and the way it spreads are well understood, and we are not seeing evidence of uncontrolled community spread.”
Public health experts stress that hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their excretions, not through casual human interaction. The current outbreak is believed to have originated from rodent exposure aboard the ship. The WHO has underscored that the situation is being closely monitored, with measures in place to prevent further spread, including quarantine protocols and enhanced disinfection efforts.
Meanwhile, the MV Hondius is expected to resume its journey to the Canary Islands in the coming days, despite local opposition. Spanish health authorities have stated there is no risk to the general population, and the ship’s arrival is being coordinated with regional officials. The Canary Islands’ regional government has objected to the docking, citing concerns over public health and safety, but the Spanish Health Ministry has given the green light for the ship to proceed.
The cruise ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, has announced that all passengers and crew members are being screened and monitored for symptoms. The company has also pledged to cooperate fully with health authorities to ensure the safety of everyone involved. For now, the focus remains on containing the outbreak and providing care to those affected.
Hantavirus infections can cause severe respiratory illness, with a case fatality rate as high as 50% in some regions. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. Early diagnosis and supportive care are critical to improving outcomes. Public health agencies continue to urge travelers and residents in affected areas to take precautions, such as avoiding contact with rodents and maintaining good hygiene practices.
As the situation evolves, health officials are urging the public to stay informed through reliable sources and to follow guidelines from the WHO and national health agencies. The outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of emerging health threats.
“We know this virus. The mode of transmission and the way it spreads are well understood, and we are not seeing evidence of uncontrolled community spread.”
— WHO spokesperson
For more information on hantavirus and how to protect yourself, visit the World Health Organization’s fact sheet on hantavirus.
