Andes Hantavirus (Orthohantavirus andesense) — May 2026
WHO reported a multi-country hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel. Andes virus is the hantavirus species for which limited human-to-human transmission has been documented after close and prolonged contact.
Key events in the MV Hondius Andes hantavirus outbreak, newest first.
WHO's Director-General said the cluster involved Andes virus, that additional cases could still be reported because of the incubation period, and that WHO assessed the public health risk as low.
WHO said it informed 12 countries whose nationals disembarked in Saint Helena, including Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Singapore's Communicable Diseases Agency said two Singapore residents who had been onboard were isolated at NCID for testing and monitoring. CDA assessed the risk to Singapore's general public as low.
UKHSA, DHSC, and FCDO said remaining British nationals could be repatriated after docking if they stayed asymptomatic, with isolation, regular testing, and healthcare contact on return. UKHSA assessed the risk to the general public as very low.
WHO DON599 reported 7 cases as of 4 May, including 2 laboratory-confirmed infections, 5 suspected cases, and 3 deaths. The report described coordinated international response actions and active investigation of the exposure source.
WHO reported illness onset among identified cases between 6 and 28 April, with fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and progression in severe cases to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock.
WHO reported that the Dutch-flagged vessel departed Ushuaia with 147 passengers and crew and followed a South Atlantic itinerary. WHO said the extent of wildlife or rodent exposure during the voyage or before boarding remained under investigation.
Verified route and response points described in WHO and UKHSA public updates.
Countries WHO said it informed because nationals disembarked in Saint Helena.
From WHO public updates published May 4 and May 7, 2026.
"Based on available information, WHO assesses the public health risk posed by this event as low at the global level."
-- WHO Disease Outbreak News DON599, May 4, 2026
"While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low."
-- WHO Director-General media briefing, May 7, 2026
All current outbreak facts on this page are sourced from official public health channels.