الصحة العالمية تؤكد سلالة الأنديز من فيروس “هانتا” تنتقل بين البشر – Sharjah24

The World Health Organization has confirmed that the strain of Hantavirus identified in an outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius is the Andes strain, which is capable of transmitting between humans.

In its latest report, the organization detailed the scope of the outbreak, noting that all identified infections occurred on board the vessel.

Case Counts and Fatality Rates

As of May 13, 2026, the World Health Organization reported a total of 11 cases associated with the outbreak. Of these, eight cases have been laboratory-confirmed.

The outbreak has resulted in three deaths, placing the current fatality rate at approximately 27%.

Additional monitoring is taking place in the United States, where the organization identified two potential cases and one inconclusive case.

Medical Context of the Andes Strain

Hantaviruses are typically zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted from animals—most commonly rodents—to humans. However, the Andes strain is distinct due to its ability to spread directly from person to person.

The confirmation of human-to-human transmission in this instance highlights the specific risks associated with the Andes strain compared to other Hantavirus variants.

The concentration of all infections on the MV Hondius suggests the environment of the ship played a role in the transmission of the virus among passengers and crew.