The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on July 2, 2026, that the hantavirus outbreak associated with the cruise ship MV Hondius is officially over. This decision follows the completion of quarantine for the last identified contact of an exposed individual, who tested negative for the virus.
The outbreak, which began in April, resulted in 13 infections and 3 fatalities, primarily involving the rare Andes hantavirus strain that typically circulates in Argentina and Chile.
Details of the Hantavirus Outbreak
The MV Hondius embarked from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, traveling to remote islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, including Tristan da Cunha. Following the outbreak, passengers were flown home from Tenerife in the Canary Islands, and the ship docked in Rotterdam on May 18.
After thorough cleaning and disinfection, the ship was cleared to return to sea on May 30. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of monitoring and understanding the virus, stating, "We are also coordinating a study involving 21 countries to understand how the disease develops, which will support the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for future outbreaks."
Transmission and Symptoms of Hantavirus
Hantavirus primarily spreads through contact with infected rodents, including their urine, droppings, and saliva. The virus can become airborne during the cleaning of infested areas. The Andes virus is unique among hantaviruses as it can spread through close, prolonged human-to-human contact.
