WHO Confirms Five Cases of Deadly Hantavirus

The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring a cluster of severe respiratory illnesses aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship, which has resulted in at least three deaths and the laboratory confirmation of hantavirus infections.

As of May 4, 2026, the WHO identified seven cases among the ship’s 147 passengers and crew. This total includes two laboratory-confirmed cases of hantavirus and five suspected cases.

Of the seven identified cases, three individuals have died and one patient remains critically ill. Three other individuals reported experiencing mild symptoms.

Outbreak Timeline and Symptoms

The onset of illness for the affected passengers occurred between April 6 and April 28, 2026. The WHO reported that the illness was characterized by fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, which progressed rapidly to shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and pneumonia.

The WHO received notification of the cluster on May 2, 2026, from the National International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Focal Point of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

On that same date, May 2, laboratory testing conducted in South Africa confirmed a hantavirus infection in one critically ill patient who was receiving care in intensive care. A further death was reported on May 3, 2026.

Transmission and Risk Assessment

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease. According to the WHO, human infection is primarily acquired through contact with the saliva, feces, or urine of infected rodents.

While human-to-human transmission is uncommon, the WHO noted that limited transmission has been reported in previous outbreaks involving the Andes virus, a specific species of hantavirus.

The WHO currently assesses the risk to the global population from this specific event as low. The organization stated it will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and provide updates to the risk assessment as more information becomes available.

International Response

The outbreak is being managed through a coordinated international response. Current management efforts include laboratory investigations, case isolation and care, and medical evacuation.

Further investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and the extent of the exposure among the passengers and crew.