Global status
HantaTracker tracks active Andes-virus (Orthohantavirus andesense) risk events only — Andes is the one hantavirus species with documented H2H transmission. Pre-cluster rodent-spillover surveillance is preserved as historical news in the feed but not summed into the totals above. Confirmed and suspected cases tracked separately. Every figure links to a Tier-1 source. Reporting period: 2026 cruise-ship cluster (Andes virus, multi-country) — onset 6–28 April 2026.
Last updated: —
Confirmed cases
11
2026 cruise-ship cluster — eleven confirmed Andes-virus cases per ECDC daily update (26 May 2026). One new case since the previous update; two recent cases reclassified as confirmed following a revision of the case definition to align with WHO (confirmed = laboratory confirmation of ANDV by PCR and/or serology). Pre-cluster Andes-virus reporting (PAHO 2025 alert: ARG 66, CHL 35) is preserved in the news feed but no longer included in totals.
Suspected cases
2
Cruise-ship cluster: ECDC daily update (26 May 2026) reports 2 probable cases, unchanged. WHO "probable" mapped to our suspected field per methodology.
Deaths
3
2026 cruise-ship cluster — three deaths per WHO DON 601 (13 May 2026). No new deaths since DON 600. Six passengers currently hospitalised, one in intensive care.
Active outbreaks
1
2026 cruise-ship cluster — Andes virus, multi-country, with documented person-to-person transmission aboard the vessel. Disembarkation at Tenerife completed; passengers dispersed to 8 countries for ongoing monitoring.
Countries with reports
9
Cluster-affected countries per ECDC (26 May 2026): Argentina, Canada, Cabo Verde, Chile, France, Saint Helena, Spain, United Kingdom, United States. ECDC notes passengers/crew from 23 countries total; per-country case attribution not published.
Human-to-human transmission
Documented (Andes virus only)
WHO Fact Sheet: "transmission between people has been associated with close and prolonged contact, particularly among household members or intimate partners." WHO DON 601 (13 May 2026) reaffirms H2H transmission among close contacts aboard the cruise vessel. WHO risk assessment unchanged: low globally, moderate on the cruise ship. ECDC (14 May 2026) assesses risk to the EU/EEA general population as "very low."
Incubation period
1–8 weeks
After exposure to infected rodent excreta
Basic reproduction number (R₀)
Not established
WHO has not published an R₀ for hantavirus.
Licensed vaccine
None
WHO: "There is no licenced specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus infection."
Last reviewed
2026-05-26
Tier-1 sweep (26 May 2026): ECDC daily update (26 May) — confirmed 11 (was 9), probable 2, deaths 3 (unchanged). One new case; two recent cases reclassified as confirmed following case-definition revision aligned with WHO. No new hantavirus DON beyond 601.
9 cluster countries · click a highlighted country
Chronological updates from official health authorities and monitored X accounts. Editorial items link to Tier-1 sources. X posts link to the original post.
ECDC daily update (26 May 2026): confirmed cases revised from 9 to "11"; probable cases "2" (unchanged); deaths "3" (unchanged). "One new case and no new deaths have been reported since the previous update." "The two recent cases have been classified as confirmed following a revision of the case definition" to align with WHO (confirmed = laboratory confirmation of ANDV by PCR and/or serology). Risk to the EU/EEA general population remains "very low."
ECDC: Andes Hantavirus outbreak in cruise ship, May 2026The post gives a brief update on a hantavirus outbreak among passengers and crew on the cruise ship MV Hondius and reports an additional confirmed case in a crew member who was repatriated to the Netherlands.
The post highlights how preparedness and international coordination guided the response to a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius and the disembarkation in Tenerife.
CDC is issuing a Health Alert Network update to inform clinicians and health departments about available testing for patients with suspected hantavirus infection, including Andes virus.
WHO says it is responding to outbreaks of Ebola and hantavirus and highlights its emergency response work over the past 12 months.
WHO is responding to a hantavirus outbreak among passengers and crew on the MV Hondius cruise ship; passengers repatriated for monitoring through quarantine ending June 21.
ECDC daily update (19 May 2026) on the MV Hondius hantavirus cluster: "9" confirmed cases, "2" probable cases, "3" deaths, "11" total cases. "The previously reported inconclusive case has been removed from the case count as the individual did not develop symptoms and Andes virus infection was not confirmed by PCR." MV Hondius arrived in Rotterdam on 18 May with "25 crew members and 2 medical professionals"; "disembarkation has commenced and individuals are currently isolating." Risk to the EU/EEA general population remains "very low."
ECDC: Andes Hantavirus outbreak in cruise ship, May 2026ECDC daily update (18 May 2026) on the MV Hondius hantavirus cluster: "9" confirmed cases, "2" probable cases, "1" inconclusive case, "3" deaths — figures unchanged from 17 May. "The MV Hondius arrived in Rotterdam on 18 May carrying 27 crew members." Risk to the EU/EEA general population remains "very low."
ECDC: Andes Hantavirus outbreak in cruise ship, May 2026The post shares highlights from a rapid risk assessment of a hantavirus cluster linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship and says the global risk remains low.
ECDC daily update (17 May 2026) on the MV Hondius hantavirus cluster: "9" confirmed cases (up from 8 on 14 May), "2" probable cases, "1" inconclusive case, "12" total cases, "3" deaths. "On 16 May 2026, Canada reported that a passenger of the cruise ship tested presumptively positive for Andes hantavirus" — patient was under quarantine with mild symptoms. Risk to the EU/EEA general population remains "very low."
ECDC: Andes Hantavirus outbreak in cruise ship, May 2026PAHO convened experts and public health authorities to share lessons from Andes hantavirus outbreaks, covering epidemiology, clinical management, and infection prevention and control.
WHO thanked the people of Tenerife for their solidarity with passengers and crew of the MV Hondius affected by a hantavirus outbreak.
The post says the response to the hantavirus outbreak is a recent example of cooperation and solidarity strengthening global health security.
A WHO live media briefing hosted by Dr. Tedros covers hantavirus and other global health issues.
The post says the hantavirus cluster on the MV Hondius was the first of its kind and involved 23 countries.
WHO published interim guidance for laboratory testing of Andes virus (Orthohantavirus andesense) infection. The 19-page document covers "specimen collection through to diagnostic analysis and reporting" and is intended for "laboratories, clinicians, health workers, public health officials and other stakeholders responding to outbreaks" in non-endemic regions.
Laboratory testing of Andes virus (Orthohantavirus andesense) infection: interim guidance, 15 May 2026WHO/Europe article examining the MV Hondius Andes virus outbreak as a test of the International Health Regulations framework. Passengers from 23 countries were aboard; 12 countries were notified about nationals who disembarked at Saint Helena. All passengers face a 42-day monitoring period. WHO coordinated medical evacuations, contact tracing, and laboratory coordination across 30 governments.
How a little-known virus on a cruise ship put the world's health security framework to the testCDC reports it is working with public health partners to monitor potential Andes virus exposures and says the current risk to the public remains low.
ECDC daily update (14 May 2026) on the MV Hondius hantavirus cluster: "8" confirmed cases (down from 9 on 12 May — one case reclassified as inconclusive), "1" inconclusive case, "2" probable cases, "3" deaths. "No new cases or deaths have been reported since the update on 12 May." Risk to the EU/EEA general population remains "very low."
ECDC: Andes Hantavirus outbreak in cruise ship, May 2026WHO provides updated figures on the hantavirus cluster linked to MV Hondius: 8 confirmed, 1 inconclusive, 2 probable cases, 3 deaths. Global risk assessed as low.
WHO experts share the latest information on a hantavirus cluster linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship.
WHO and WHO Europe experts are hosting a live update on the hantavirus cluster linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship.
WHO published DON 601 (2nd update) on the MV Hondius hantavirus cluster: "8" confirmed cases (revised down from 9 — one case reclassified from confirmed to inconclusive after conflicting lab results from two different laboratories), "2" probable cases, "1" inconclusive case, "3" deaths. Six passengers currently hospitalised, one in intensive care. Affected countries revised to eight: Argentina, Cabo Verde, Chile, France, Saint Helena, Spain, United Kingdom, United States. Germany, Netherlands, South Africa, Switzerland removed from the list. WHO risk assessment unchanged: low at the global level, moderate on the cruise ship.
WHO DON 2026-DON601: Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-country (2nd update)WHO reports 11 total hantavirus cases (9 confirmed, 2 probable) and 3 deaths as of 12 May, all among cruise ship passengers or crew. Expects more cases.
A live media briefing in Madrid addresses the hantavirus response with the Prime Minister and WHO Director-General.
ECDC daily update (12 May 2026) on the MV Hondius hantavirus cluster: "9" confirmed cases (up from 7 on 11 May), "2" probable cases, "3" deaths. The vessel remains docked in Granadilla, Tenerife. Risk to the EU/EEA general population remains "very low."
ECDC: Andes Hantavirus outbreak in cruise ship, May 2026PAHO held a live Q&A with experts to address public concern after a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship, clarifying risks, transmission, symptoms, and prevention.
A live update on hantavirus.
The WHO announces a live update on hantavirus with Olivier Le Polain, Unit Head for Epidemiology & Analytics for Response, streamed today across WHO social channels.
WHO AFRO and Africa CDC are convening a joint technical briefing on hantavirus to support preparedness and response efforts.
PAHO held a live Q&A session (8 May) with experts addressing public concern following the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak. Experts stated "the risk to the general population is low" and clarified that Andes virus shows only limited person-to-person transmission via close and prolonged contact. Regional 2026 figures cited: "94" confirmed cases and "13" deaths through 18 April. No specific antiviral or vaccine exists; management is supportive care.
PAHO held Q&A session on hantavirus after outbreak on cruise shipECDC daily update (11 May 2026) on the MV Hondius hantavirus cluster: "7" confirmed cases (up from 6 on 10 May), "2" probable cases, "3" deaths, "9" total cases. The vessel arrived in Granadilla, Tenerife on 10 May. Risk to the EU/EEA general population remains "very low."
ECDC: Andes Hantavirus outbreak in cruise ship, May 2026WHO shares a technical note on disembarkation and onward management of passengers and crew in response to an Andes virus-associated cluster on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
The CDC reports response actions for a hantavirus cruise ship outbreak, including activating its Emergency Operations Center and deploying a medical team to the Canary Islands.
The WHO post invites viewers to a live update on hantavirus with Dr Maria van Kerkhove and Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez.
WHO published a technical note for public health authorities, port health authorities, and partner agencies on the disembarkation and onward management of MV Hondius passengers and crew. Covers disembarkation procedures, onward travel protocols, monitoring systems for exposed persons, and follow-up procedures under the IHR.
WHO Technical note: disembarkation and onward management of passengers and crew — MV HondiusECDC published a surveillance update on the MV Hondius hantavirus cluster: "6" confirmed cases and "2" probable cases with "3" deaths as of 10 May 2026. The vessel carried passengers and crew from 23 countries, including nine EU/EEA nations. ECDC notes: "The virus has been identified as Andes hantavirus, the only hantavirus that can be transmitted person-to-person, typically requiring close, prolonged contact." Risk statement: "The risk to the EU/EEA general population is very low."
ECDC: Andes Hantavirus outbreak in cruise ship, May 2026The post announces a live media briefing in Tenerife about hantavirus with WHO Director-General Tedros and Spanish government officials.
The CDC shares a hantavirus outbreak toolkit for public health agencies, laboratories, and healthcare professionals.
The post announces a live update on hantavirus.
The CDC issued a Health Alert Network advisory about hantavirus disease cases caused by Andes virus and notes the public health risk in the United States is extremely low at this time.
The post explains what hantaviruses are, how they spread to people, what symptoms they cause, and how to prevent infection.
WHO announces a live session on its channels to learn more about hantavirus.
The post highlights Disease Outbreak News on a hantavirus outbreak linked to MV Hondius, reporting 8 cases, 3 deaths, 6 confirmed Andes virus cases, and 4 hospitalized patients as of 8 May.
CDC says it is working to keep the public safe and informed about hantavirus, coordinating with international partners and providing guidance to impacted states about returning passengers.
The post says the cruise ship outbreak was linked to Andes virus, which can spread person to person only through rare close, prolonged contact, and that there is no indication of wider community spread.
The post announces a live update on hantavirus.
WHO announces a live update on hantavirus featuring Technical Officer Anaïs Legand, streamed today across WHO social media channels.
The post explains what hantaviruses are, how they spread, the symptoms they cause, and how to prevent infection.
CDC published a hantavirus outbreak toolkit in response to the Andes virus cruise-ship cluster. Includes resources on understanding hantavirus, health department guidance (case definitions, report forms), clinical management resources for healthcare providers, and printable fact sheets for public distribution.
CDC Hantavirus Outbreak ToolkitWHO updated the cruise-ship cluster figures: "a total of eight cases, including three deaths (case fatality ratio 38%)". Six cases laboratory-confirmed as hantavirus, two probable. Four patients currently hospitalised, one in intensive care in Johannesburg. Affected countries expanded to nine: Argentina, Cabo Verde, Chile, Germany, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom. All confirmed cases identified as Andes virus (Orthohantavirus andesense). H2H transmission documented among close contacts aboard the vessel. WHO assesses the risk as low at the global level and moderate at the cruise-ship level.
WHO DON 2026-DON600: Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-country (update)PAHO supports the international response to a cluster of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic.
The CDC says it is coordinating with domestic and international partners after being notified of a hantavirus situation aboard the cruise ship M/V Hondius.
PAHO is coordinating technical assistance for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases detected aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic. PAHO facilitates cooperation among affected countries through regional experts in laboratory diagnosis, clinical management, and infection control. Noted that H2H transmission "may occur through close and prolonged contact" with Andes virus. Regional 2025 totals: "229" confirmed cases and "59" deaths across eight countries.
PAHO supports international response to HPS cases linked to cruise shipWHO updated figures for the cruise-ship cluster: 8 cases, 5 confirmed as hantavirus (Andes virus), 3 deaths. Director-General Dr Tedros stated WHO assesses the public-health risk as low because Andes virus only transmits between people via close, prolonged contact. WHO deployed an onboard expert, shipped 2,500 diagnostic kits from Argentina to five countries, and developed disembarkation guidance under the IHR.
WHO's response to hantavirus cases linked to a cruise shipWHO updated its Hantavirus Fact Sheet. Incubation period given as 1–8 weeks. Human-to-human transmission documented only for Andes virus in the Americas. Case fatality 20–40% commonly (up to 50%) for HCPS; <1–15% for HFRS. No licensed antiviral or vaccine.
WHO Hantavirus Fact SheetWHO reported a hantavirus cluster on a cruise ship that departed Argentina on 1 April 2026: 2 confirmed and 5 suspected cases, 3 deaths. Affected countries: Argentina, Cabo Verde, Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, United Kingdom. Andes virus suspected. WHO assessed global risk as low.
WHO DON 2026-DON599: Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-countryPAHO/WHO issued an Epidemiological Alert for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in the Americas. Eight countries reported 229 confirmed cases and 59 deaths through EW 47 of 2025; regional case fatality rate 25.7%. Argentina and Chile accounted for the Andes-virus subset (101 confirmed, 28 deaths). Listed here as historical Tier-1 reporting; not included in current site totals — HantaTracker now displays only the 2026 cruise-ship cluster, the only documented Andes-virus event with H2H transmission. See METHODOLOGY.md §Scope.
PAHO Epidemiological Alert: HPS in the Americas Region (19 December 2025)