Live Outbreak Tracker · WHO Risk: LOW

2026 Hantavirus
Outbreak

Since First Symptom Onset — Apr 6, 2026
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2026 Case Map

One map highlighting countries and territories with confirmed or suspected cases. Tap a marker to view country details.

Country Details
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Newest First

Latest Outbreak News

Breaking coverage from WHO, CDC, UKHSA and international news organizations.

Cruise-linked · Newest First

2026 Timeline

Chronological record sourced from WHO Disease Outbreak News and official health agencies.

2026-05-19
ECDC update: 11 total cases (9 confirmed, 2 probable); inconclusive US case removed
ECDC confirmed a total of 11 cases: 9 confirmed and 2 probable. The previously reported inconclusive US case has been removed from the count — the individual did not develop symptoms and Andes virus infection was not confirmed by PCR. The two remaining US cases are both classified as probable.
ECDC
2026-05-18
MV Hondius docks Rotterdam; German body removed; crew quarantined — decontamination begins
MV Hondius arrived at the Port of Rotterdam around 10:30. All remaining on board were retested and then disembarked. The two Dutch RIVM medical officers returned home for self-quarantine. The 23 non-Dutch crew (17 from the Philippines, 3 from Ukraine, plus others) entered a six-week quarantine in Rotterdam. The body of the deceased German female passenger was removed from the ship for cremation in the Netherlands. Five crew members including the captain remained on board for disinfection, estimated to take 3–4 days. The ship is planned to return to service on June 13.
Wikipedia · ECDC
2026-05-15
US case confirmed negative; Canada's first positive — 9 confirmed, 11 total
The CDC confirmed an American passenger with previously inconclusive results tested fully negative with no antibodies detected — meaning he was never infected — and was removed from the case count. Separately, a Canadian passenger in their 70s isolating in Victoria, British Columbia, tested presumptively positive; Canada's national laboratory later confirmed the result. Three others in Canada remained under medical observation. With Canada's confirmed case, the confirmed country count reached 9.
CDC · Wikipedia
2026-05-13
French patient on life-support; 'final stage of supportive care' — Germany confirmed post-mortem
French authorities confirmed the French female passenger evacuated from MV Hondius is on life-support, describing her condition as "the final stage of supportive care." Separately, the German female passenger who died on board May 2 has been confirmed PCR-positive for Andes virus post-mortem, raising the confirmed country count to 8. Total as of 13 May: 8 confirmed, 1 inconclusive, 2 probable (11 total), 3 deaths.
Wikipedia
2026-05-12
Spanish case confirmed in hospital; 12 Nijmegen workers in isolation — 9 confirmed, 11 total
A Spanish passenger who tested positive on May 11 was confirmed symptomatic and hospitalized on May 12. Separately, 12 healthcare workers at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands, were placed in isolation after failing to comply with infection control protocols when treating a hantavirus patient. Repatriation of all passengers was completed on May 11. The outbreak total reached 9 confirmed and 2 probable (11 total), 3 deaths (ECDC).
Wikipedia
2026-05-11
French national very critical; MV Hondius departs Tenerife; Spanish case confirmed — 7 confirmed, 9 total
WHO confirmed the French patient was in "very critical condition." The MV Hondius departed Tenerife at approximately 20:00 WET with 25 remaining crew and 2 RIVM medics aboard, heading for Rotterdam for full decontamination (ETA May 17). Spanish health authorities announced 1 of 14 Spanish nationals tested positive for Andes hantavirus — the others testing negative. An asymptomatic American also tested positive. A second American with mild symptoms remains a probable case. France raised its public health alertness level and identified 22 high-risk contacts. ECDC confirmed 7 confirmed cases and 2 probable (9 total), 3 deaths.
ECDC · Wikipedia · WHO
2026-05-10
MV Hondius docks at Tenerife; 7 evacuation flights depart; paratroopers reach Tristan da Cunha
The MV Hondius arrived at Port of Granadilla around 05:30 WET. Passengers disembarked by speedboat directly to the airport with no contact with island residents. By late May 10, seven evacuation flights had taken off, transporting 94 passengers to six European countries and Canada. In total, 122 individuals disembarked in Tenerife across all evacuation operations. Separately, British paratroopers from the 16 Air Assault Brigade parachuted 3,300 kg of medical supplies onto Tristan da Cunha — the island has no airstrip — where one resident (a former MV Hondius passenger) is suspected of infection. The ship will sail to Rotterdam on May 11 for full disinfection.
WHO · Wikipedia · ECDC
2026-05-09
US arranges charter flight; WHO urges calm as ship approaches Spain
The US government arranged a charter flight to repatriate American passengers from the hantavirus-affected ship. Spain readied evacuation and medical procedures as the MV Hondius approached the Canary Islands. WHO stated "This is not another COVID" and assessed global public health risk as LOW. Trump said the outbreak was "under control."
BBC · AP News · WHO · NBC News
2026-05-08
WHO update: 5 confirmed Andes hantavirus and 8 suspected
WHO updated 13 cluster cases (5 confirmed, 8 suspected). Public risk remains low. UKHSA reported a third British national with suspected infection. CDC raised travel response to level 3.
WHO · UKHSA · CDC
2026-05-07
Three patients evacuated and ship sails for Spain
Three sick passengers were evacuated for treatment. Ship continued north toward the Canary Islands while contact tracing expanded across 13 countries.
AP News · Reuters
2026-05-06
International evacuation and monitoring reports
Wire services reported continuing evacuations and additional returned passenger symptom monitoring in Europe. US sent CDC staff by plane to assist.
Reuters · ECDC
2026-05-04
WHO public outbreak update — risk assessed LOW
WHO reported 7 cases: 2 confirmed, 5 suspected, 3 deaths, 1 critical patient, and 3 mild cases while ship was moored off Cabo Verde.
WHO DON#99
2026-05-02
Third death on board; UK notifies WHO
A German female passenger died on board the MV Hondius — the third death linked to the outbreak. Separately, the United Kingdom focal point notified WHO of a severe acute respiratory illness cluster aboard the cruise ship.
WHO DON#99 · Wikipedia
2026-04-30
ICU patient evacuated to South Africa
Case 3 was medically evacuated from Ascension to South Africa and later confirmed PCR-positive for hantavirus while in ICU.
WHO DON#99
2026-04-25
Confirmed fatal case reaches South Africa and dies
A critically ill passenger (wife of the first victim) was removed from flight KL592 and medically evacuated to South Africa, where she died the same day. WHO later confirmed PCR-positive Andes hantavirus.
WHO DON#99 · Wikipedia
2026-04-24
Shore excursion at St. Helena — suspected exposure
Passengers disembarked for a bird-watching excursion. Contact with rodent-infested environments is identified as the probable hantavirus exposure event for the entire cluster.
WHO DON#99 · Reuters
2026-04-11
First death on board — Leo Schilperoord
Dutch passenger Leo Schilperoord (80) became the first person to die aboard the MV Hondius from what would later be confirmed as Andes hantavirus.
Wikipedia
2026-04-06
First symptom onset aboard MV Hondius
The first person aboard the MV Hondius expedition cruise ship begins showing symptoms of what would later be identified as Andes hantavirus. The ship was sailing in Antarctic and South Atlantic waters.
Wikipedia
Medical Reference

Public Health Facts

Evidence-based information about hantavirus — transmission, symptoms, and prevention.

🦠
What Hantaviruses Are
Hantaviruses are rodent-borne zoonotic viruses. Only some species cause human disease. The Andes virus — found in South America — is the strain suspected in the 2026 MV Hondius outbreak.
🌬️
Main Route of Infection
People are primarily infected by inhaling aerosols from infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Touching contaminated surfaces then touching eyes, nose, or mouth can also transmit the virus.
👥
Human-to-Human Transmission
WHO and CDC state documented human-to-human transmission is limited to the Andes virus strain in the Americas. This is the primary reason WHO assessed global risk as LOW.
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Clinical Syndromes
In the Americas: Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS). In Europe and Asia: Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). Both can be life-threatening without ICU care.
⏱️
Incubation Window
Symptoms begin one to eight weeks after exposure. HPS symptoms appear two to four weeks after exposure. The wide window makes early identification difficult in outbreak clusters.
💊
Treatment
No licensed antiviral for hantavirus exists. Early supportive care and ICU-level management significantly improve survival. Seek immediate care if symptomatic after potential exposure.
🏠
Prevention
Seal buildings against rodents. Always use wet cleaning — never dry sweep. Ventilate for 30 min before entering rodent areas. Wear gloves and N95 respirator when cleaning droppings.
🌍
Global Burden
WHO estimates 10,000–100,000+ hantavirus infections annually. Greatest burden in Asia and Europe (HFRS). The Americas report HPS cases yearly. South America has the highest mortality rate.
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about hantavirus transmission, symptoms, and the 2026 MV Hondius outbreak.

Most hantavirus strains do not spread between people. The Andes virus — suspected in the 2026 outbreak — is the only known hantavirus with documented limited human-to-human transmission. WHO has assessed global public health risk as LOW. Community transmission risk for the general public remains minimal.
Early symptoms: fever (above 38.5°C), severe muscle aches in thighs, hips, and back, intense fatigue, and headache. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. These last 4–10 days before potentially progressing to respiratory difficulty. If you were on the MV Hondius and develop symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Respiratory difficulty — the hallmark of HPS — typically begins 4–10 days after the initial flu-like phase. Onset can be rapid and life-threatening, often requiring mechanical ventilation within hours. If you have been potentially exposed and experience shortness of breath, call emergency services immediately.
HPS has a ~36% case fatality rate in the US. The 2026 outbreak shows 3 deaths from 9 confirmed cases (33.3%), above historical averages, likely reflecting the severity of the Andes strain. Early detection and aggressive ICU-level care significantly improve survival outcomes.
No approved hantavirus vaccine exists in Western countries as of 2026. Treatment is supportive: ICU care, supplemental oxygen, and in severe cases mechanical ventilation or ECMO. Prevention through rodent control and avoiding exposure remains the most critical strategy.
CDC recommends: (1) ventilate 30 min before entry; (2) wear rubber gloves + N95 respirator; (3) spray droppings with 10% bleach solution, let sit 5 min; (4) wipe up — never dry sweep or vacuum; (5) double-bag all waste; (6) disinfect gloves, then wash hands. Inhalation of aerosolized particles is the primary transmission route.
WHO assessed global risk as LOW. The outbreak is contained to MV Hondius passengers and close contacts. General travelers are not at elevated risk. However, anyone who did outdoor activities in rural South America — especially wildlife excursions — should monitor for hantavirus symptoms.
Countries apply different case definitions — some report only PCR-confirmed cases, others include suspected cases. This hantavirus map distinguishes confirmed (red), suspected (orange), and monitoring (gray) status per country based on official WHO, ECDC, CDC, and national health authority reports as of May 12, 2026.
Medical Reference

What Is Hantavirus?

Symptoms, transmission & prevention — essential information for travelers and returning MV Hondius passengers.

How Does Hantavirus Spread?

Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine, or saliva. The most common route is inhaling contaminated dust. The virus does not spread through casual person-to-person contact. However, the Andes virus — suspected in the 2026 MV Hondius outbreak — is the only known hantavirus with evidence of limited human-to-human transmission.

Hantavirus Symptoms

Early symptoms appear 1–8 weeks after exposure: fever, severe muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. Some cases progress to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) — characterized by shortness of breath, fluid in the lungs, and rapid respiratory failure. The 2026 outbreak has resulted in 3 deaths from 9 confirmed cases (33.3% fatality rate), with 2 additional probable cases under monitoring.

How to Protect Yourself

Minimize exposure to rodents and their excreta. Ventilate contaminated areas for at least 30 minutes before entry. Wet contaminated material with disinfectant before wiping — never dry sweep. Wear rubber gloves and an N95 respirator. If you were a passenger on the MV Hondius, contact your local health authority immediately and follow the 45-day monitoring protocol.

References

Official Sources

All data compiled from official public health agencies and verified international news organizations.

WHO Hantavirus Fact Sheet WHO DON#99 Hantavirus-linked Cluster WHO Emergency Event 2026-eSOG227 CDC About Hantavirus CDC Reported US Cases ECDC Hantavirus AIR 2023 CDC Orthohantavirus Factsheet PAHO Epidemiological Alert Dec 2025 China CDC Weekly HFRS 2014–2023 CDC MMWR Southwestern US 1993 WHO Hantavirus Argentina 2019
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