WHO Says Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak Not a New Global Pandemic

The World Health Organization has reassured the public that the recent Hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship does not signal the start of another global pandemic.

Speaking during a media briefing, WHO infectious disease expert Maria Van Kerkhove said the situation is very different from the COVID-19 crisis because the Andes strain of hantavirus spreads only through close and prolonged contact.

“This is not SARS-CoV-2. This is not the start of a COVID pandemic,” she said, explaining that the outbreak remains confined and poses a low public health risk.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that eight cases have so far been identified, including three deaths. Five of the infections were laboratory-confirmed, while three remain suspected.

According to WHO, hantaviruses are mainly transmitted through exposure to infected rodents, including their urine, saliva, or droppings. The Andes variant found in Latin America is the only known strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

Tedros said evidence from previous outbreaks shows that transmission between people usually occurs after prolonged close contact, particularly among family members or caregivers. Health officials believe the current cases followed a similar pattern aboard the cruise vessel.

The first patient reportedly developed symptoms on April 9, but hantavirus was not initially suspected. The patient’s wife later left the ship when it docked at St Helena and subsequently died in Johannesburg, South Africa, where tests confirmed the infection.

WHO warned that additional cases may still emerge because the disease can incubate for up to six weeks. However, the organisation maintains that the broader international risk remains low.

The cruise ship is currently heading toward Spain’s Canary Islands after Spanish authorities agreed to receive the vessel. Passengers have been instructed to remain in their cabins, while anyone showing symptoms has been told to isolate immediately.

Meanwhile, Israeli health officials confirmed the country’s first diagnosed hantavirus case involving a traveller who recently returned from Eastern Europe. Authorities said the infection is unrelated to the MV Hondius outbreak and involves a European strain transmitted through rodent exposure rather than person-to-person contact.

The patient is reportedly in stable condition and under medical observation.