Hondius Cruise Ship Reports Hantavirus Cases, WHO Suspects Human-to-Human Transmission

Central News Agency (Geneva, May 5, Comprehensive Foreign Report) - The cruise ship ''MV Hondius'' has reported hantavirus cases, and the World Health Organization (WHO) stated today that it suspects human-to-human transmission of hantavirus on board. Among the 7 confirmed and suspected cases, 3 people have already died. Agence France-Presse reported that Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO''s Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, told reporters: ''We do believe there may be some human-to-human transmission among close contacts.'' She added that the first person to fall ill was suspected to have been infected before boarding the cruise ship. WHO has stated that hantavirus is a rare but severe and potentially fatal disease, primarily transmitted through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. However, human-to-human transmission has also occurred in past outbreaks. The MV Hondius, originally scheduled to sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa, is currently anchored off Cape Verde. Earlier today, WHO stated in a statement: ''As of May 4, 2026, 7 cases have been identified (including 2 laboratory-confirmed hantavirus cases and 5 suspected cases), including 3 deaths and 1 severe case, with 3 people reporting mild symptoms.'' (Compiled by: Yang Zhaoyan) 1150505 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 stay updated with the latest news. The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.