WHO alerts 12 nations following a Hantavirus outbreak on the expedition ship MV Hondius. The rare Andes strain has raised concerns due to its potential for human-to-human transmission
New Delhi: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed five hantavirus cases, with some suspected and possibly more. The expedition cruise ship MV Hondius linked the hantavirus outbreak after it departed from Ushuaia on April 1, 2026, for an Atlantic expedition voyage to the sub-Antarctic region and South Atlantic islands. WHO has said that more cases linked to the hantavirus will increase in the coming weeks.
The Outbreak & Response
During a press briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare type known to spread between people through close contact. He added that the virus can take up to six weeks to show symptoms, so authorities may still report additional cases. However, WHO clarified that although the situation is serious, the overall public health risk remains low.
About the MV Hondius Voyage
The ship was reportedly carrying around 147 passengers and crew members from multiple countries when several people onboard began showing symptoms of severe respiratory illness. WHO and health authorities warned 12 countries about this hantavirus. Countries mentioned are: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, New Zealand, and Türkiye (Turkey).
How Does Hantavirus Spread?
Hantavirus primarily spreads through contact with infected rodents, especially through their urine, saliva, droppings, or contaminated dust particles. Human infections are rare, and most hantavirus strains do not spread from person to person. However, the suspected Andes strain linked to the current cruise ship outbreak is one of the few known strains capable of limited human-to-human transmission through close contact.
As the monitoring window continues, the WHO and international maritime authorities are working closely to track the health status of all individuals who were aboard the MV Hondius. For now, the situation remains under control, but the upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining the full extent of the transmission.
