WHO Says Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Is Not Another COVID‑19

Hantaviruses are spread mainly by inhaling particles from rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Human‑to‑human transmission is extremely rare and has only been documented for the Andes strain after prolonged, close contact. The outbreak on the MV Hondius involved the Andes strain, which explains the limited spread seen among travelers who shared cabins or had close contact.

WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the outbreak is not another COVID‑19 and that the current risk is low. Three individuals—a Dutch couple and a German tourist—died while aboard the ship. After a Spanish passenger tested positive, the WHO confirmed the 11th hantavirus case linked to the MV Hondius outbreak.

Evidence so far comes from case reports and routine surveillance (observational monitoring) of the 11 identified infections; no randomized trial has been conducted for hantavirus transmission. The observed association between time on the ship and illness suggests a link, but further investigation is needed to confirm causality.

Because hantavirus does not transmit efficiently through casual contact, the likelihood of a wider community outbreak is minimal. Travelers should avoid areas with visible rodent infestation, seal food stores, and use gloves when cleaning potential rodent habitats.