Low hantavirus risk for European travelers after deaths on Dutch cruise ship

Three passengers – an elderly Dutch couple and a German man – died after contracting Andes hantavirus on the Dutch‑flagged cruise ship "Hondius". Health authorities in Latvia (SPKC) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) say the outbreak poses a very low risk to the wider European population.

Europe records roughly 1,500‑5,000 hantavirus infections each year, with Latvia seeing only three to six cases annually. Most cases are linked to rodent exposure in rural or poorly maintained indoor settings. The SPKC advises travelers to practice basic hygiene, avoid contact with rodents, use safe drinking water, and stay in clean accommodation, especially when hiking, camping or staying in remote areas.

Current patients and identified contacts are under quarantine and health monitoring to prevent further spread.