WHO reports 8 hantavirus cases on MV Hondius, with 3 fatalities. Ship redirected to Canary Islands for medical intervention.
The World Health Organization (WHO) made an important statement regarding the hantavirus cases detected on the passenger ship MV Hondius, which set sail from Argentina in early May 2026.
The WHO published an emergency bulletin concerning the hantavirus outbreak on the passenger ship MV Hondius that departed from Argentina. The fatalities associated with the cases linked to the ship have raised significant concerns within the maritime and health communities.
Here are the key highlights of the news:
Number of Cases and Fatalities on the Ship
According to the latest report from the WHO dated May 8, 2026, a total of 8 cases directly linked to the MV Hondius have been identified. Of these cases, 6 have been confirmed in a laboratory setting, while 2 individuals are being monitored as suspected cases. Unfortunately, 3 passengers, citizens of the Netherlands and Germany exhibiting symptoms of the disease, have lost their lives.
Risk of Human-to-Human Transmission of the Virus
Investigations have revealed that the virus is the Andes virus (ANDV), one of the most dangerous members of the hantavirus family. WHO officials emphasized that this strain has the potential for human-to-human transmission, unlike other hantaviruses, highlighting the importance of onboard isolation.
The Ship Directed to the Canary Islands
The ship, which departed from Argentina, initially requested medical assistance off the coast of Cabo Verde. In coordination with the WHO and European health authorities, the ship was directed to Spain’s Canary Islands for a full-scale intervention. It has been reported that some critically ill patients have been airlifted to specialized hospitals in South Africa and the Netherlands.
The WHO Director-General stated that the risk level for the general public remains low; however, a strict monitoring protocol is being implemented for the ship's crew and passengers. All living areas on the ship are being disinfected, and the quarantine processes for passengers listed as contacts are being closely monitored.
Note: While hantavirus is typically a disease transmitted through contact with rodents, a warning has been issued that the strain observed on the MV Hondius could spread through close contact. Experts remind passengers traveling on the ship to report symptoms such as high fever and respiratory distress without delay.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
