WHO assesses the global public health risk from this hantavirus cluster as LOW. Andes strain confirmed (capable of human-to-human transmission). 147 passengers from 23 countries being traced.
Global Outbreak Map
Transmission Risk
No antiviral or vaccine exists for hantavirus. Treatment is supportive (ICU, ventilation). Early detection significantly improves outcomes.
Virus Profile
Source: WHO Fact SheetOnly hantavirus strain known to transmit human-to-human. RNA virus, Bunyavirales order.
Inhalation of aerosolized rodent excreta. Andes strain uniquely transmits between humans via close contact.
Typically 2-4 weeks for HPS (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome). Can be as short as a few days.
Early: fever, fatigue, muscle aches, dizziness. Late: coughing, shortness of breath, pulmonary edema.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome has 35-50% fatality. HFRS (hemorrhagic fever) has 1-15%. No specific treatment exists.
No vaccine available. Avoid contact with rodents and their excreta. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.
Outbreak Probability
Outbreak remains contained to a single cruise ship cluster. WHO assesses global risk as LOW. Active contact tracing in progress across multiple countries.
How to Protect Yourself
Source: CDCClose gaps and holes in your home to prevent rodent entry. Steel wool and caulk work best.
Never sweep or vacuum rodent droppings. Spray with bleach solution (1:10 ratio) first, then wipe.
Open doors and windows for 30+ minutes before entering closed buildings (sheds, cabins, storage).
Do not touch rodents (alive or dead) with bare hands. Use gloves and dispose safely.
Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever, muscle aches, and shortness of breath after potential exposure.
Contact local health authorities if you suspect exposure. Early treatment significantly improves survival rates.
Hantavirus Strains
6 known pathogenic strainsAndes orthohantavirus
Reservoir: Long-tailed pygmy rice rat (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus)
Sin Nombre orthohantavirus
Reservoir: Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)
Hantaan orthohantavirus
Reservoir: Striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius)
Seoul orthohantavirus
Reservoir: Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Puumala orthohantavirus
Reservoir: Bank vole (Myodes glareolus)
Dobrava-Belgrade orthohantavirus
Reservoir: Yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis)
3D Outbreak Globe
Outbreak Timeline
Global monitoring expands
Passengers monitored in Singapore (2), Canada (3), USA (3), France (8 contacts), Switzerland (1). WHO maintains global risk assessment as LOW.
CNN8 total cases, 5 lab-confirmed
WHO updates: 8 cases total, 5 laboratory-confirmed as hantavirus. Three deaths. Three patients transferred to Netherlands.
WHOArgentina reports 101 hantavirus cases since June 2025
Argentine health ministry reports 101 hantavirus infections since June 2025, roughly double the caseload from the same period the previous year.
Al JazeeraAfrica CDC issues statement
Africa CDC issues formal statement on multi-country hantavirus cluster associated with cruise ship travel.
Africa CDCECDC assessment: risk for Europe very low
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control publishes assessment stating risk for European population is very low.
ECDCWHO confirms 7 cases, 2 lab-confirmed hantavirus
Seven cases identified (two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus, five suspected). Three deaths reported.
WHO DON599Andes strain confirmed
The hantavirus strain identified as Andes virus, the only known hantavirus capable of human-to-human transmission.
WHO / TimeCluster reported to WHO
UK IHR Focal Point notifies WHO of a cluster of severe acute respiratory illness aboard the MV Hondius.
WHO DON599International flight Saint Helena to Johannesburg
Passengers and contacts travel on international flight. French nationals later identified as close contacts were on this flight.
CNNMV Hondius departs Ushuaia, Argentina
Dutch-flagged expedition cruise ship MV Hondius departs from Ushuaia with 88 passengers and 59 crew from 23 countries.
WHO DON599News Feed
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How It Works
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WHO API
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- •WHO Disease Outbreak News API
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