WHO Confirms 6 New Hantavirus Cases As Cruise Ship Arrives In Spain’s Canary Islands: Common Symptoms To Know
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Four people remain hospitalised in South Africa, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Additional suspected cases have been reported in Spain, on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha.
Early symptoms of hantavirus infection often resemble a severe case of flu and typically appear within one to eight weeks after exposure. (Image credits: AFP)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed six laboratory-verified cases of hantavirus (specifically the Andes virus strain) linked to the vessel, with three deaths reported so far. The ship, carrying over 140 passengers and crew, arrived at Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands on 10 May 2026. While no passengers currently on board are showing symptoms, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Of the confirmed cases, four individuals remain hospitalised in South Africa, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Additional suspected cases have been reported in Spain and on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha, linked to passengers who had disembarked earlier.
The WHO has assessed the risk to the general public as low, but described the risk among close contacts on the ship as moderate due to the confined environment. Spanish authorities, working alongside the WHO, are managing a controlled disembarkation in Tenerife, with passengers being screened and transported via special flights to avoid contact with the local population.
The luxury expedition ship MV Hondius, carrying nearly 150 passengers and crew, departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 1 April. It visited remote locations including parts of Antarctica and the Atlantic islands of Tristan da Cunha and Saint Helena before the outbreak became apparent. The cases involve the Andes strain of hantavirus — one of the few variants known to spread from person to person, albeit rarely and only through very close contact.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are a family of rodent-borne viruses. Most strains spread through contact with infected rodents’ urine, droppings, or saliva. The Andes virus variant involved in this outbreak is particularly notable because it is one of the few hantaviruses known to spread from person to person through close and prolonged contact.
The outbreak is believed to have started before the ship departed from Argentina, with possible initial exposure occurring during travels in Argentina or Chile. Subsequent limited transmission appears to have occurred onboard the vessel.
Common Symptoms To Watch For
Early symptoms of hantavirus infection often resemble a severe case of flu and typically appear within one to eight weeks after exposure. Key warning signs include:
- High fever
- Severe muscle aches
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
In more severe cases, the infection can progress to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), causing rapid onset of coughing and shortness of breath as fluid builds up in the lungs. This can lead to respiratory failure and, in some cases, prove fatal. The fatality rate for severe hantavirus infections can be as high as 50% in certain regions.
When Should You Worry?
Health authorities, including the WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have consistently emphasised that the risk to the general public remains extremely low. This outbreak appears contained to the specific group on the ship, with no evidence of community spread.
Maria Van Kerkhove of the WHO has stressed that transmission differs markedly from Covid-19 or influenza, requiring very close physical contact rather than casual proximity. Passengers on board have been advised to maintain distancing, wear masks, and practise good hygiene, and many report the atmosphere remains calm.
Medical experts advise anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms after potential exposure to seek immediate medical attention, especially if breathing difficulties develop. Early supportive care can significantly improve outcomes.
