WHO Maintains Low Risk Assessment for Hantavirus Outbreak

May 17, 2026

73 min

May 17, 2026 22:30

WHO keeps evaluation of hantavirus as 'low risk'

## WHO's Current Assessment

The World Health Organization (WHO) has maintained its classification of the hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship as a "low risk" event globally. This decision comes as the ship, MV Hondius, nears the Netherlands.

## Details of the Outbreak

The outbreak involves eight cases, including three fatalities, with six confirmed as Andes virus infections. The WHO has noted that while the risk to the general public remains low, the risk for those on the ship is moderate.

## Measures and Monitoring

The WHO has reassessed the situation with the latest data, emphasizing that further cases may arise among those exposed before containment measures were enacted. However, the risk of further transmission is expected to decrease after disembarkation and the implementation of control measures.

## Ship's Status

The MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is expected to dock in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on Monday. The remaining 27 individuals on board, consisting of 25 crew members and two medical staff, are set to disembark.

## Transmission and Risk Factors

Hantavirus typically spreads through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, rather than casual human-to-human contact. However, the Andes virus strain can spread in rare close-contact situations, prompting international contact tracing efforts.

## WHO's Ongoing Efforts

The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and will update its risk assessment as necessary. The organization stresses that the global risk remains low, despite the confirmed cases linked to the cruise ship.

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