A total of “11” hantavirus cases have been reported as of 12 May, 2026, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
These cases include “3” deaths, the World Health Governing Body disclosed via X.
Out of the eleven (11) cases, nine (9) are confirmed, while, the other two (2) are “probable”. The UN Health Agency said, it is expecting more cases following the manner of spread of the virus on a ship, as well as, its incubation period.
WHO said, it has not seen any sign of a “larger outbreak” of hantavirus.
According to an update from WHO on Hantavirus: “As of 12 May, 12h00 CEST, a total of 11 cases, including 3 deaths, have been reported. Nine of the 11 cases are confirmed, and the other 2 are probable. All are among passengers or crew on the ship.
“We expect more cases given the dynamics of spread on a ship and the virus’ incubation period.
“At the moment, there is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak.”
Passengers and crew that disembarked from the MV Hondius Cruise Ship are closely monitored in their countries. WHO recommended to the affected countries a “42-day” quarantine.
On Monday, almost twenty (20) United States (US) passengers that alighted from the Cruise Ship arrived the State of Nebraska and were quarantined.
WHO said: “Passengers and crew are being followed up in their countries, where WHO recommends a 42-day quarantine at home or in a facility starting from day of departure from the ship.”
The MV Hondius has departed the Island of Tenerife in Spain and is sailing to the Dutch port of Rotterdam. Two flights transporting the final twenty-eight (28) passengers landed in nearby Eindhoven on Tuesday.
A French national and a Spaniard who returned home previously have tested positive. The French woman is in intensive care in hospital in Paris, the French Capital, and doctors disclose, she has “the most severe form” of the virus and is being treated with an artificial lung.
The Spanish patient displayed mild respiratory symptoms.
