Cruise Ship Suspected of Hantavirus Outbreak, WHO: Risk to Public Remains Low
A Dutch-flagged cruise ship is suspected of a Hantavirus outbreak, with 3 deaths and 3 symptomatic cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that there is no need for panic as the risk to the general public remains low.
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- 📰 Published: May 4, 2026 at 21:56
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Geneva, 4th, comprehensive foreign reports) A Dutch-flagged cruise ship recently reported a suspected hantavirus outbreak, causing 3 deaths and 3 symptomatic cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) today stated that there is no need for panic, as the risk to the general public remains low.
Reuters reported that the Dutch-flagged "MV Hondius," carrying about 150 passengers, departed from Argentina in South America about three weeks ago, passing through Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and several other stops, with its final destination originally set for the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
Oceanwide Expeditions, a Dutch polar expedition company, issued a press release stating that the MV Hondius is located off the coast of Cape Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean off West Africa, and the company is dealing with a very serious medical situation on board this polar expedition cruise ship.
Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, stated in a press release: "The risk to the general public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions at this time."
Kluge pointed out that WHO is urgently taking action to respond to the outbreak and is working with relevant countries, including providing medical care, evacuation, investigation, and public health risk assessment.
He emphasized that human cases of hantavirus infection are rare and are usually associated with contact with rodents carrying the virus. "Although some cases are severe, the probability of human-to-human transmission is extremely low."
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson confirmed that two Dutch passengers have died but did not provide further details.
WHO posted on social media platform X that one of the symptomatic patients is receiving intensive care in South Africa. According to Sky News UK, citing the South African Ministry of Health, the patient is British.
WHO added that laboratory test results showed one of the six related individuals tested positive for hantavirus. (Compiler: Hong Qi-yuan) 1150504
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(Central News Agency, Geneva, 4th, comprehensive foreign reports) A Dutch-flagged cruise ship recently reported a suspected hantavirus outbreak, causing 3 deaths and 3 symptomatic cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) today stated that there is no need for panic, as the risk to the general public remains low.
Reuters reported that the Dutch-flagged "MV Hondius," carrying about 150 passengers, departed from Argentina in South America about three weeks ago, passing through Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and several other stops, with its final destination originally set for the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
Oceanwide Expeditions, a Dutch polar expedition company, issued a press release stating that the MV Hondius is located off the coast of Cape Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean off West Africa, and the company is dealing with a very serious medical situation on board this polar expedition cruise ship.
Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, stated in a press release: "The risk to the general public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions at this time."
Kluge pointed out that WHO is urgently taking action to respond to the outbreak and is working with relevant countries, including providing medical care, evacuation, investigation, and public health risk assessment.
He emphasized that human cases of hantavirus infection are rare and are usually associated with contact with rodents carrying the virus. "Although some cases are severe, the probability of human-to-human transmission is extremely low."
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson confirmed that two Dutch passengers have died but did not provide further details.
WHO posted on social media platform X that one of the symptomatic patients is receiving intensive care in South Africa. According to Sky News UK, citing the South African Ministry of Health, the patient is British.
WHO added that laboratory test results showed one of the six related individuals tested positive for hantavirus. (Compiler: Hong Qi-yuan) 1150504
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.