Hantavirus outbreak 2026 - Public Health - European Commission
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SpainConfidence 95%Today
The European Commission announces a cluster of Andes hantavirus cases on the M/V Hondius, a Dutch-flagged ship, and details its response including antiviral delivery to France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Species mentioned
- humans
Source articles
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- PrimaryHantavirus outbreak 2026 - Public Health - European Commission
health.ec.europa.eu · 2026-06-01
The European Commission was notified on May 2, 2026, about a cluster of severe respiratory illness on the M/V Hondius, a Dutch-flagged ship with passengers from 23 countries, including nine EU/EEA countries. The identified virus is Andes hantavirus, known for person-to-person transmission, though the risk to the EU/EEA general population is very low. The Commission is supporting the emergency delivery of Favipiravir, an experimental antiviral, to France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
- ReferenceHantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-locations
who.int · 2026-06-01
This is the fourth WHO Disease Outbreak News report on the Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to the M/V Hondius cruise ship. As of May 27, 2026, a total of 13 cases, including three deaths, have been reported, with additional confirmed cases in Canada, the Netherlands, and Spain. The outbreak is believed to have originated from a case acquiring infection prior to boarding in South America, with subsequent human-to-human transmission onboard the ship.
- ReferenceHantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-locations
who.int · 2026-06-01
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on May 28, 2026, that the Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to the M/V Hondius cruise ship has resulted in 13 cases (11 confirmed, 2 probable) and three deaths as of May 27. New confirmed cases were identified in Canada, the Netherlands, and Spain. The Andes virus, endemic in South America (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay), is known for limited human-to-human transmission. Over 600 contacts across 32 countries are being traced and monitored. Passengers disembarked in Saint Helena, Ascension, Praia (Cabo Verde), and Tenerife (Spain).
- ReferenceHantavirus outbreak 2026 - Public Health - European Commission
health.ec.europa.eu · 2026-06-01
The European Commission announced on May 28, 2026, that an Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has triggered an EU-coordinated response. The Commission was notified on May 2, 2026, of severe respiratory illness cases. The risk to the general public in Europe is considered very low. Emergency delivery of the experimental antiviral Favipiravir has been supported, with initial doses dispatched to France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
- ReferenceHantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-country
who.int · 2026-06-01
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on May 13, 2026, the third Disease Outbreak News update on the hantavirus cluster linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Since the last report on May 8, two additional confirmed cases were reported from France and Spain. An inconclusive result was also noted for a case in the United States. As of May 13, a total of 11 cases (eight confirmed, one inconclusive, and two probable), including three deaths, have been reported. All confirmed cases are for Andes virus (ANDV) infection and were passengers on board the MV Hondius. Hantaviruses are associated
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This report is an aggregated summary of public information for surveillance and awareness purposes only. It is not medical advice. For symptoms, exposure, or clinical decisions, contact a qualified clinician or your local public-health authority.