Hantavirus Outbreak 2026: MV Hondius Andes Cluster
What is the 2026 hantavirus outbreak, who is at risk, and what do you need to know. Sourced from WHO Disease Outbreak Notice DON599.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for public health information only. It does not constitute medical advice. If you suspect exposure or infection, seek emergency care immediately.
Outbreak at a Glance
As of May 7, 2026 · WHO DON599 ↗
What Is This Outbreak?
In May 2026, the World Health Organization issued Disease Outbreak Notice DON599 reporting a cluster of Andes hantavirus cases linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius.
The Andes hantavirus (also called Andes orthohantavirus) circulates in wild rodents in South America. Passengers on the MV Hondius are believed to have been exposed during shore excursions in endemic regions where the virus is present in local rodent populations.
What makes this outbreak particularly significant is the strain involved: Andes hantavirus is the only known hantavirus capable of human-to-human transmission. All other strains (Sin Nombre in North America, Puumala in Europe, Hantaan in Asia) spread only from rodents to humans.
Timeline
PAHO issued an alert for elevated HPS activity in the Southern Cone region. Argentina reported 66 cases and 21 deaths (32% CFR) — double its historical average. Brazil reported 20 cases and 11 deaths.
Passengers aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius likely encounter Andes hantavirus during shore excursions in South America.
WHO confirms 5 cases and 3 suspected with 3 deaths linked to the MV Hondius cluster. Investigation ongoing.
Who Is at Risk?
- ·People who travelled on MV Hondius and participated in shore excursions in South America
- ·Close contacts of confirmed Andes hantavirus cases (prolonged indoor contact)
- ·People working in or visiting areas with high rodent activity in endemic regions
- ·Healthcare workers caring for confirmed cases (standard precautions are effective)
- ·Travellers to South America who did not have direct contact with rodents or confirmed cases
- ·People who have not travelled to endemic regions and have had no contact with confirmed cases
- ·General population in North America, Europe, and Asia (different strains, no person-to-person spread)
Common Questions
Should I be worried if I have not travelled to South America?
If you have not had recent travel to endemic South American regions and have not had close prolonged contact with a confirmed Andes hantavirus case, your risk from the 2026 outbreak is extremely low. The primary risk remains rodent exposure in endemic regions.
Can the 2026 outbreak spread internationally?
Andes hantavirus can spread person-to-person through prolonged close contact, but it does not spread easily. Contact tracing and isolation of confirmed cases are effective containment measures. WHO and national health agencies are monitoring the situation.
What should I do if I was on the MV Hondius or in close contact with a case?
Contact your national health authority or a healthcare provider immediately and inform them of the potential exposure. Monitor for symptoms — fever, fatigue, muscle aches — for up to 6 weeks. Seek emergency care at the first sign of respiratory symptoms.