A recent hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has triggered global concern after multiple infections and deaths were reported among passengers.
While the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that more cases may emerge in the coming weeks, officials have also stressed that the situation is very different from the Covid-19 pandemic, per a report by News18.
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Why did WHO issue the warning?
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus asked countries to prepare for additional hantavirus cases because of the virus’s long incubation period and the level of interaction among passengers before the outbreak was detected. According to a report by News18, the MV Hondius outbreak has already resulted in several confirmed infections and at least three deaths.
The cruise ship, which was travelling from Argentina toward Cape Verde, became the centre of attention after passengers began showing symptoms linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus. WHO said the incubation period can stretch between six and eight weeks, raising the possibility of delayed infections appearing later.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a disease generally spread through exposure to infected rodent urine, saliva or droppings. In rare situations, certain strains, such as the Andes virus, can spread between humans through prolonged close contact.
The infection can lead to severe respiratory illness, fever, vomiting and other complications. Reports noted that the Andes variant linked to the cruise ship outbreak carries a high fatality risk in severe cases.
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Update on #hantavirus:
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 12, 2026
As of 12 May, 12h00 CEST, a total of 11 cases, including 3 deaths, have been reported. Nine of the 11 cases are confirmed, and the other 2 are probable. All are among passengers or crew on the ship.
We expect more cases given the dynamics of spread on a pic.twitter.com/NeeLyMQFdk
Is it the next Covid-19?
Health officials and epidemiologists have repeatedly said there is no indication that hantavirus is becoming another Covid-19-style global pandemic. Experts highlighted that the virus does not spread as easily as Covid-19 and generally requires close physical contact for transmission.
WHO officials have also maintained that the current public health risk remains low, though countries are continuing quarantine and monitoring measures for passengers who may have been exposed. Several nations, including Spain, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, have already moved passengers into precautionary isolation after evacuation from the ship.
