WHO confirms hantavirus cluster on cruise ship: 8 cases, 3 deaths

Geneva, May 8. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a multi-country cluster of 8 severe respiratory illness cases on a cruise ship, including 3 deaths.

Andes virus confirmed

Six cases were laboratory-confirmed as hantavirus infections — all identified as Andes virus. This is a hantavirus found in South America, particularly Argentina and Chile.

Outbreak report

The outbreak news was posted on WHO's official "Disease Outbreak News" (item 2026-DON600). The cruise ship's name has not been released, but it had been operating between South American ports.

Person-to-person spread

Andes virus is the only hantavirus shown to spread person-to-person — other hantaviruses typically spread through contact with rodent droppings/urine. The case fatality rate ranges 30-50%, and there is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment.

Symptoms and precautions

Symptoms are flu-like — fever, muscle aches, fatigue, followed 4-10 days later by rapid respiratory failure. The CDC has advised travellers to avoid rodent exposure and seek medical care immediately for any respiratory issues.

Recent Nipah incidents in India

The event comes as India confirmed two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. WHO has assessed global Nipah risk as "low" but recommended stepped-up surveillance.

Impact on the cruise industry

This is a fresh blow to the cruise industry, which had been slowly recovering after Covid-19. Major operators including Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, and MSC have tightened protocols.