health
May 8, 2026
It is a dangerous virus, but only for the truly infected person”: WHO on Hantavirus
The World Health Organization (WHO) insisted this Friday that the risk of hantavirus for the general population remains minimal, while several countries prepare to repatriate passengers from the cruise ship affected by a deadly outbreak.
TL;DR
- The WHO maintains that the risk of hantavirus to the general population is minimal.
- A deadly outbreak of hantavirus occurred on the cruise ship MV Hondius, resulting in three passenger deaths and infections.
- The Andes virus strain, which can transmit between people, was confirmed among the passengers.
- Approximately 150 passengers and crew are on board the ship, expected to arrive in Tenerife, Spain, on Sunday for repatriation.
- Evacuations are planned for Sunday, with a limited time window due to changing weather conditions.
- The US is organizing a flight to evacuate its citizens.
- Spain reported a suspected case of hantavirus in a woman who had contact with a Dutch passenger on a flight.
- The WHO confirmed five cases and three suspected cases of the virus.
- Hantavirus is dangerous only to the infected person and does not spread like COVID-19.