WHO Reports Hantavirus Outbreak and Belgian Passengers Under Investigation

The World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating a response to a cluster of hantavirus cases linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. As of May 8, 2026, eight cases have been reported, including three deaths.

Of the eight reported cases, five have been confirmed as hantavirus. The specific strain identified is the Andes virus, which is the only species of hantavirus known to be capable of limited transmission between humans through close and prolonged contact.

During a media briefing on May 8, 2026, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that while the incident is serious, the organization assesses the overall public health risk as low. However, he noted that it’s possible that more cases may be reported due to the virus’s incubation period.

The WHO was first notified of the situation on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Since then, the organization has deployed an expert to the MV Hondius to assist with medical assessments of all crew and passengers and to gather data to evaluate infection risks.

To strengthen global testing capacity, the WHO has arranged for 2,500 diagnostic kits to be shipped from Argentina to laboratories across five different countries. The organization is also creating operational guidance to ensure the safe and respectful disembarkation and onward travel of those on board.

Regarding the immediate goals of the intervention, Dr. Tedros said:

Our priorities are to ensure the affected patients receive care, that the remaining passengers on the ship are kept safe and treated with dignity, and to prevent any further spread of the virus

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

The response is being managed under the International Health Regulations (IHR), which define the obligations of member states and the WHO during public health events. Dr. Tedros emphasized that the event highlights the necessity of global cooperation for health threats that cross borders.

In Belgium, authorities are monitoring passengers from the cruise ship. Some Belgian passengers are being investigated before they are cleared to return home, with some expected to arrive in Belgium on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Reports indicate that at least one Belgian passenger from Houthal who contracted the virus experienced severe symptoms, including high fever, constant vomiting, and intense headaches.

While some Belgian passengers are under investigation, officials have noted that the risk of these individuals infecting others is minimal.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) had previously reported on May 6, 2026, that seven cases had been identified in the cluster, including three deaths, shortly before the updated figures were provided by the WHO.

The current priorities for health officials remain focused on:

• Providing medical care to affected patients.
• Conducting comprehensive medical assessments of all passengers and crew on the MV Hondius.
• Establishing safe disembarkation protocols for travelers.
• Expanding diagnostic testing capabilities via the distribution of kits from Argentina.