Geneva, May 14, 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed eight cases of the Andes strain of Hantavirus, which is capable of human-to-human transmission, following an outbreak on the cruise ship "Hondius."
Outbreak Details
As of Wednesday evening, the WHO reported that "eleven cases, including three deaths" had been documented. The cases were linked to passengers and crew members who had been aboard the "Hondius," a cruise ship that recently docked in Tenerife.
More than 120 passengers and crew members departed the ship on Sunday and Monday, traveling home on special flights from Tenerife. The WHO has not yet confirmed whether any of these individuals tested positive for the virus after disembarking.
Human-to-Human Transmission
The Andes strain of Hantavirus is particularly concerning due to its ability to spread between humans, unlike other strains that typically require rodent exposure. The WHO emphasized that this transmission method increases the risk of outbreaks in close-contact settings, such as cruise ships or communal living spaces.