The hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has reached 12 confirmed cases, according to health authorities [1, 2]. Three deaths have been reported from the outbreak, with no new fatalities since May 2, 2026, officials said [1, 2].
A Dutch crew member who disembarked in Tenerife later tested positive for the Andes virus, the only hantavirus strain known to spread between humans. The crew member has been isolated and hospitalized as a precaution in the Netherlands, where weekly testing of evacuees from the ship continues. Two separate laboratories confirmed the positive test result for the Dutch crew member [1, 2].
The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1, 2026, making stops in Cape Verde and Tenerife before health authorities identified the outbreak [1]. It is suspected the first infected person contracted the virus from rodent exposure during a bird-watching expedition, though this remains under investigation [1].
More than 600 contacts of suspected cases are under monitoring in 30 countries, with authorities still locating a small number of high-risk contacts. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "More than 600 contacts continue to be followed in 30 countries, and a small number of high-risk contacts are still being located" [1, 2].
The initial outbreak was reported to WHO on May 2, and the agency confirmed the 12 cases and 3 deaths at a press briefing on May 22 [1, 2].
Monitoring and testing efforts remain active as health officials continue to follow contacts worldwide to prevent further spread [1, 2].
