The WHO calls the global risk of the hantavirus outbreak on a luxury cruise ship “low”

Published at: 18/05/2026 08:30 AM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its public health risk assessment following the hantavirus outbreak detected on the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, determining that the level of global risk remains low.

However, the agency warned that the risk to passengers and crew who were on board is still considered moderate, so they must be closely monitored.

This estimate is due to the fact that exposed people can still develop the disease during the incubation period, which can last several weeks.

The organization explained that, although additional cases could appear among those who were infected before the containment measures were applied, the risk of subsequent transmission is expected to decrease after disembarkation.

Hantavirus is a zoonotic virus that is transmitted primarily through infected rodents and can cause serious and potentially fatal medical conditions, such as Pulmonary Syndrome and Hemorrhagic Fever.

Mazo News Team