WHO continues to monitor cruise ship with hantavirus outbreak

The World Health Organization is continuing to reassure the public after a cluster of hantavirus outbreaks was linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius

So far, eight cases have been reported, including three deaths. Five infections have been confirmed as hantavirus, specifically the Andes virus, a rare strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission through close, prolonged contact.

Speaking in Geneva on Wednesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that the situation remains contained.

Health officials have warned, however, that additional cases could still emerge because of the virus’s incubation period.

UK confirmed third suspected case

The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed a third suspected case involving a British national connected to the outbreak.

The patient is currently on the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha. Two other British nationals previously diagnosed are receiving treatment in hospitals in the Netherlands and South Africa.

Authorities said no other British passengers still onboard the MV Hondius are showing symptoms, though all are being closely monitored.

Cruise ship heading to Tenerife

The vessel is now travelling to Tenerife, where it is expected to dock on Sunday (10th May 2026).

British officials are preparing a controlled disembarkation operation. Passengers and crew without symptoms will be escorted to the airport and flown back to the UK on a dedicated repatriation flight operating under strict infection-control measures.

Medical specialists from the NHS and UKHSA are expected to accompany the flight.

WHO expands its international response

The WHO has said it has been coordinating with multiple countries under the International Health Regulations designed to manage cross-border health threats.

An expert has been deployed on board the ship to assess passengers and crew, while 2,500 diagnostic kits are being sent from Argentina to laboratories in 5 countries to boost testing capacity.

The organisation is also preparing operational guidance to ensure the safe and respectful onward travel of passengers upon the ship’s arrival.

What happens next?

All British passengers and crew returning from the ship will be asked to isolate for 45 days while health officials continue monitoring potential contacts.

Experts say the outbreak is serious but remains far from a Covid-style global emergency, with current evidence suggesting transmission is limited and can be contained through precautionary measures.