HANTAVIRUS has been identified on a multi-country cruise ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean, after a cluster of passengers onboard with severe respiratory illness was reported to WHO by the National International Health Regulations (2005) Focal Point of the UK on 2nd May 2026.
WHO currently assesses the risk to the global population from the event as low.
Seven Identified Cases
As of 4th May, seven cases of hantavirus have been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient, and three people reporting mild symptoms.
On 2nd May, laboratory testing conducted in South Africa confirmed hantavirus infection in the critically ill patient, who is in intensive care.
Illness onset on the ship, carrying 88 passengers and 59 crew members, occurred between 6th and 28th April, WHO reported.
It was characterised by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock.
As of 4th May, the vessel is moored off the coast of Cabo Verde.
The outbreak is reportedly being managed through coordinated international response, including in-depth investigations, case isolation and care, medical evacuation, and laboratory investigations.
Further investigations are ongoing.
Human Hantavirus Infection
Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome is a zoonotic, viral respiratory disease.
Human hantavirus infection is primarily acquired through contact with the urine, faces, or saliva of infected rodents.
Exposure usually occurs through activities such as cleaning buildings with rodent infestations, but can also happen during routine activities in heavily infested areas.
It is a rare but severe disease, WHO reported.
Nonetheless, limited human-to-human transmission has been reported in previous outbreaks of a specific species of hantavirus – Andes virus.
While there are no specific treatment pathways nor vaccines for hantavirus infections, early supportive care and immediate referral to a facility with a complete ICU can improve survival.
WHO continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and called for States Parties involved to continue detection, investigation, case management, reporting, and infection control measures.
Reference
World Health Organization. Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, multi-country. 2026. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON599. Last accessed: 5 May 2026.
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