What we know about the hantavirus outtbreak so far

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 11 hantavirus cases linked to an outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship as global health agencies intensify monitoring efforts.

According to data released on May 13, 2026, nine cases have been laboratory-confirmed while two remain probable. Three deaths have so far been recorded.

WHO said all passengers and crew members had disembarked from the ship and were currently under a 42-day monitoring or quarantine programme.

International contact tracing is ongoing across multiple countries due to the virus’s incubation period.

However, the WHO maintained that the public health risk to the general population remains low.