Health authorities across multiple countries are monitoring a developing outbreak of Hantavirus, a rare but serious viral infection that has raised global concern following a series of linked cases tied to infected rodents and international travel.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a family of viruses primarily carried by rodents, particularly wild mice and rats. Humans can become infected when they come into contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected animals, or when they breathe in air contaminated by these substances.
The virus can cause two main types of illness in humans. One is called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which affects the lungs and can be severe.
The other is Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which primarily affects the kidneys. Both conditions are rare but can be life-threatening if not recognised and treated early.
How The Current Outbreak Started
An outbreak of hantavirus was identified on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions.
The vessel departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on or around April 1, 2026, carrying 147 passengers and crew from 23 nationalities.
It traveled through the South Atlantic, with stops including Antarctica, South Georgia, and islands like Saint Helena.
On 11 April, a passenger died on board from the virus, and his body was removed from the vessel thirteen days later, on 24 April in Saint Helena, where his wife also disembarked.
Two days later, she also died in a hospital in Johannesburg. A British passenger was sent to Johannesburg for treatment, in critical but stable condition. A third passenger died on board.
Four others have been medically evacuated from the ship for treatment.
The outbreak came to international attention in early May 2026 when a cluster of severe respiratory illnesses was reported to the WHO.
Countries Affected
As of 8 May 2026, infected passengers are hospitalized in South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, while the ship is still in Cape Verdean territorial waters with additional medical resources on board.
There are nine suspected cases, including 6 confirmed cases. There have been 3 deaths, one of which has been confirmed as caused by the Andes virus.
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Some unconfirmed cases in the Netherlands, Singapore, and France. In the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, some people may have been in proximity to cases but are not showing symptoms.
How Hantavirus Spreads
Hantavirus is not transmitted the same way as common respiratory viruses like the flu or COVID-19.
It spreads mainly through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings, or saliva. Infection often occurs when contaminated dust particles are inhaled.
Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and has only been observed in limited strains such as the Andes virus, which is strain of the current outbreak.
Symptoms and Severity
Early symptoms often appear 1–8 weeks after exposure and can include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
These can rapidly progress to coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), leading to severe respiratory distress. In critical cases, it can cause low blood pressure, organ failure, and shock.
The fatality rate for HPS can be as high as 30% to 40%, making early recognition and treatment critical.
Vaccines and Treatment
There is currently no vaccine available for general public use against hantavirus. Treatment is primarily supportive, meaning that doctors focus on managing symptoms and keeping the patient stable while the body fights off the virus.
Precautionary Measures
Key prevention steps include avoiding contact with rodents, sealing homes against infestation, using protective gear when cleaning contaminated areas, and practising safe hygiene in high-risk environments. Wet-cleaning methods are preferred over dry sweeping.
What The World Health Organization (WHO) is Saying
The World Health Organization has been closely monitoring the hantavirus outbreak and coordinating with national health agencies to track cases and prevent further spread.
According to the WHO’s latest risk assessment, the overall global threat posed by hantavirus remains low.
The virus does not spread easily between people, and most cases are linked to specific environmental exposures or travel to endemic areas.
However, the organisation has emphasised that vigilance is necessary, particularly given the role of international travel in spreading the current outbreak.