Andes hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship prompts WHO warning of further cases

The World Health Organization confirmed that six passengers on the cruise ship MV Hondius were infected with the Andes variant of hantavirus, a virus that can spread between humans. Three of the infected passengers died in early May 2026, giving the ship a case‑fatality rate of about 38%.

WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that, because of the long incubation period of six to eight weeks and extensive passenger interaction before containment measures were enacted, additional cases could appear in the coming weeks. He urged national health authorities to follow WHO guidance, including 42‑day quarantines for high‑risk contacts and strict monitoring.

Confirmed cases include a French woman and a U.S. citizen who were evacuated and placed in intensive care. As of mid‑May, WHO has recorded nine Andes‑variant infections linked to the ship. Indonesia’s health ministry reported no local HPS cases, only five unrelated HFRS cases in 2026, and continues surveillance.