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Hantavirus Outbreak: WHO Maintains Low-Risk Assessment
18 May
Summary
- World Health Organization maintains hantavirus outbreak is low risk.
- Cruise ship MV Hondius approached the Netherlands after outbreak.
- Three passengers died from hantavirus on the expedition ship.
As the cruise ship MV Hondius neared the Netherlands, the World Health Organization reiterated its assessment of the hantavirus outbreak as a low global risk on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Officials confirmed the ship was expected to dock in Rotterdam between 10:00 a.m. and midday on Monday, May 18, 2026, with 27 individuals on board.
The virus has garnered international concern after three passengers succumbed to hantavirus, a condition for which no specific vaccines or treatments currently exist. The WHO statement indicated that while more cases might emerge among those exposed before control measures, the risk of further spread is expected to decrease post-disembarkation.
