WHO confirms rare human-spreading Andes Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship

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Andes Hantavirus outbreak aboard MV Hondius has infected 11 people, with WHO confirming possible human-to-human transmission.

GENEVA: The World Health Organisation has confirmed that the Hantavirus strain linked to the outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius is the Andes variant, a rare form capable of spreading between humans through close contact.

According to the WHO, the Andes Hantavirus outbreak has now been linked to 11 cases connected to the vessel. Health officials reported that eight infections have been laboratory confirmed, while two remain classified as probable cases. One additional inconclusive case is currently under monitoring in the United States.

The outbreak has resulted in three deaths so far, placing the estimated fatality rate at around 27 per cent. Authorities said all known infections involve passengers or individuals who had been aboard the cruise ship.

Hantaviruses are generally transmitted to humans through exposure to infected rodents, particularly through contact with rodent urine, droppings or saliva. However, the Andes strain, commonly found in parts of South America, remains the only known Hantavirus variant capable of human-to-human transmission.

The WHO said close personal contact is believed to be the primary route of spread in Andes Hantavirus outbreak cases. Public health teams are continuing contact tracing and monitoring efforts to prevent additional infections linked to the ship.

Health experts are also assessing whether environmental exposure or onboard conditions contributed to the spread among passengers. Officials have not yet released details regarding the nationalities of affected individuals or the ship’s full travel route during the outbreak period.

The development has renewed international attention on emerging infectious diseases linked to travel and confined environments such as cruise vessels. Health authorities continue urging early medical attention for individuals experiencing symptoms including fever, fatigue, muscle pain and breathing difficulties following possible exposure.

The WHO said investigations remain ongoing as international health agencies coordinate containment and monitoring measures.

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