Andes hantavirus update
Outbreak linked to MV Hondius
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 8 May, a total of 8 cases, including 3 deaths (case fatality ratio 38%), have been reported. 6 cases are confirmed as Andes virus. 4 patients are currently hospitalized. One case previously reported as suspected has now been reclassified as a non-case after testing negative for Andes (ANDV) virus through specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology.
Epidemiological investigations are underway to determine the source of exposure, including on the travel history and potential exposures of the first case. Person-to-person transmission of ANDV has only been documented following close and prolonged contact. The current hypothesis is that some passengers were exposed to ANDV while spending time in Argentina (where ANDV is endemic) before embarking the ship, and may subsequently have transmitted the virus to other passengers onboard.
One expert from WHO, one from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are on board the cruise ship to provide support to the passengers, crews and ship operators during the journey.
On 2 May 2026, the Netherlands informed ECDC about an outbreak of unknown aetiology on a cruise liner under the Dutch flag, the MV Hondius. The ship had been on a cruise in the Southern Atlantic after departing from Argentina on 1 April and was en route to Cabo Verde. The cruise followed an itinerary including stops on mainland Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, St Helena, and Ascension Island with Cabo Verde as the next port of call.
Podcast: Andes virus: Outbreak linked to a super-spreader event in Argentina
A total of 149 persons embarked the ship at the beginning of the journey, including 88 passengers and 61 crew. Passengers and crew represent 23 nationalities, including several EU/EEA countries as well as other countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Japan, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Spain, Türkiye, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an Health Alert Network on Friday.
They report they are also coordinating with international partners to align public health guidance and has already issued health guidance to affected Americans via the State Department. The risk to the public's health in the United States is considered extremely low at this time. As a precaution, CDC is working to increase awareness of the outbreak among travelers, public health agencies, laboratories, and healthcare professionals nationwide.
The MV Hondius is sailing towards the port of Grandilla, Tenerife. The ship is expected to arrive there on Sunday 10 May. Disembarkation will take place using safe procedures, and health screening and infection control measures will be followed via a coordinated response prior to the repatriation of passengers to their countries of residence.
On X today, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus sent a message to the people of Tenerife (the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, off the west coast of Morocco). Highlights of the letter include:
But I need you to hear me clearly: this is not another COVID-19. the current public health risk from hantavirus remains low. The risk to you, living your daily life in Tenerife, is low.
Right now, there are no symptomatic passengers on board.
Spain’s authorities have prepared a careful, step-by-step plan: passengers will be ferried ashore at the industrial port of Granadilla, far from residential areas, in sealed, guarded vehicles, through a completely cordoned-off corridor, and repatriated directly to their home countries. You will not encounter them. Your families will not encounter them.
In the Americas, hantaviruses can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs. HPS can be life-threatening. Among patients who have severe respiratory symptoms, the case fatality rate has been estimated at approximately 38%.
Related:
Hantavirus reported on international cruise ship, MV Hondius
Switzerland reports hantavirus case, brings outbreak total to 8
Argentina on the Andes virus on the MV Hondius
Andes virus, confirmed as the cause of this hantavirus outbreak, is the only type of hantavirus that has been documented to spread from person-to-person. Although rare, spread between people has typically required close, prolonged contact with a symptomatic person. This could include direct physical contact, prolonged time spent in close or enclosed spaces, and exposure to the infected person’s saliva, respiratory secretions, or other body fluids (e.g., kissing, sharing utensils, handling contaminated bedding).
Symptoms of HPS caused by Andes virus usually appear within 4-42 days after exposure. Early symptoms can include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, especially in large muscle groups like the thighs, hips, back, or shoulders. Early symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue can be easily confused with influenza or other viral illnesses. About half of all HPS patients have experienced headaches, dizziness, chills, and gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Late symptoms of HPS appear approximately 4-10 days after the initial phase of illness and can include coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness Individuals are generally only infectious while symptomatic.