The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on July 2, 2026, that the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has officially ended. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that the last person exposed to the virus has completed their quarantine period, tested negative, and returned home.
The outbreak, which began in April, infected a total of 13 individuals, resulting in 3 fatalities. The strain involved was the Andes virus, a rare type of hantavirus. The cruise ship, which departed from Argentina on April 1, had passengers who traveled through Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay on a bird-watching expedition, visiting areas where the rodent species known to carry the virus was present.
Impact of the Hantavirus Outbreak
According to WHO reports, the outbreak resulted in significant health concerns, as more than 650 contacts were identified and monitored across 33 countries and territories. Dr. Diana Rojas Alverez, a WHO medical officer, emphasized the ongoing risk of hantaviruses in South America and other endemic regions. She stated, "Andes virus and other hantaviruses are still a public health risk for South America, and some other endemic areas."
Transmission and Symptoms of Hantavirus
Hantavirus typically spreads through contact with infected rodents. People can become infected by inhaling air contaminated with virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Symptoms of hantavirus infection can manifest as fever, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. These symptoms usually appear between 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, but can take longer, which necessitated a lengthy isolation period for the cruise passengers.
WHO's Ongoing Monitoring Efforts
Despite the outbreak being declared over, the WHO remains vigilant. Dr. Ghebreyesus noted that the organization will continue to collaborate with governments and health partners to enhance understanding of hantavirus and its potential spread. Passengers who were not medically evacuated disembarked in Tenerife, Spain, in May before returning home.
- 13 total infections
- 3 fatalities
- 650 contacts monitored in 33 countries
- First cases reported on May 25
- Isolation period for passengers was extended
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC News. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
