Response from authorities

3 stories

WHO confirms five cases of hantavirus linked to cruise ship

The World Health Organization on 7 May 2026 confirmed 5 hantavirus cases linked to the MV Hondius cluster. Director-General Tedros said the outbreak is 'not the next COVID' but warned cases may rise given the up-to-6-week incubation. WHO has deployed an expert on board and shipped 2,500 diagnostic kits to 5 countries.

ECDC · 📍 Stockholm · 1d ago

ECDC: Hantavirus-associated cluster on cruise ship — assessment and recommendations

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control assesses the risk for the general European population as 'very low'. Recommends enhanced surveillance for travelers returning from South America and contacts of confirmed cases.

Africa CDC · 📍 Addis Ababa · 2d ago

Africa CDC: Statement on Multi-Country Hantavirus Cluster Associated with Cruise Ship Travel

Africa CDC coordinates response with affected African nations (Cape Verde, South Africa, Saint Helena) and supports diagnostic capacity in regional laboratories.

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