Questions and answers on the hantavirus outbreak in a cruise ship

Last updated: 12 May 2026

What is hantavirus and the Andes strain?

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that people usually catch through particles from infected rodents. It can cause serious illness, and the symptoms depend on the type of hantavirus involved. The Andes virus, which is involved in this outbreak, is a hantavirus primarily found in South America that can lead to a severe lung infection called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which can worsen quickly and become life-threatening.

How do you catch hantavirus, and how infectious is it?

Hantavirus mainly spreads via inhalation of contaminated particles from the urine, faeces or saliva of infected rodents. Only one strain, Andes – the one involved in this outbreak – can spread between people. However, it only does so in very specific, close contact situations. Hantavirus can be very dangerous for the person who gets sick, but does not pose the same broad outbreak risk as SARS, or COVID‑19.

Can Andes hantavirus spread between people?

Andes hantavirus, which is involved in this outbreak, is found mainly in South America and is the only hantavirus that is known to spread between people. Nevertheless, such transmission is considered rare and typically requires close or prolonged contact with an infected person.

Why is this not considered the next pandemic? 

Unlike COVID-19, Andes hantavirus does not spread easily between people. Human-to-human transmission is rare and requires prolonged close contact, often in enclosed settings. In addition, the natural rodent reservoir for the virus is not present in Europe, making sustained spread in the community unlikely.

Has the virus changed or become more dangerous? 

Recent genetic sequencing of the virus strongly suggests that the confirmed tested passenger samples are linked to the same original source of infection. Genomic information also shows that the virus involved in the outbreak is similar to Andes viruses already known to circulate in South America and is not a new variant. There is currently no evidence that this variant spreads more easily or causes more severe disease than other Andes viruses.

How many people have been infected in this outbreak?

For the latest figures, check ECDC's page for this outbreak.

How were people infected?

The current hypothesis is that at least one passenger was exposed to Andes virus while spending time in Argentina or Chile, where Andes virus is endemic, before boarding the ship, and may subsequently have transmitted the virus to other passengers onboard. 

Is there a vaccine or specific treatment?

There is no vaccine for hantavirus and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supportive care. 

What is the risk to the general public in Europe?

The risk to the general population in Europe is very low. 

Recent developments do not affect ECDC’s assessment, and the risk for the general population in the EU/EEA remains very low. 

The Andes virus does not spread easily between people, and the types of contact needed for transmission are uncommon outside very close personal settings. In addition, the rodents that normally carries this virus do not live in Europe, so ongoing spread through animals is not expected.

Is it likely that the virus spread beyond the cruise?

At least 26 passengers are known to have disembarked in St. Helena and travelled back home or to other destinations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has shared details with the relevant countries, and they are being recommended to contact their local public health teams for advice. Contact tracing is being carried out to ensure follow-up with those who may have been exposed.

Even if transmission of Andes virus were to occur from passengers leaving the ship, the virus does not spread easily between people. It is therefore unlikely that the infection will spread more widely, particularly if authorities act to prevent and control the outbreak. The rodent that carries Andes virus is native to South America and not found in Europe, so it is unlikely the virus would spread to local rodents. 

What support is ECDC providing for the arrival of the ship in the Canary Islands?

In addition to the ECDC expert on board the ship since 6 May, ECDC deployed additional experts through the EU Health Task Force on Saturday, 9 May, to provide technical and operational support to the Spanish authorities as needed.

Why are all passengers considered high-risk at disembarkation?

At disembarkation, as a precautionary measure, passengers are considered high-risk. However, in the last two days, the public health team on board conducted interviews with all passengers. Based on this information, not all passengers will necessarily be considered high-risk upon return to their home countries and could expect less stringent isolation measures.

Why are additional hantavirus cases being found after people leave the ship?

The identification of additional cases after passengers have left the ship is not unexpected, given the long incubation period of Andes hantavirus and the possibility that some infections occurred on board. What is important is that any person who develops symptoms is immediately isolated and provided with medical care as needed, and that infection prevention and control measures, contact tracing, testing and follow-up procedures are in place and continue to be applied to reduce the likelihood of further transmission.

ECDC provided scientific guidance on managing individuals on board the MV Hondius in the context of the Andes virus outbreak. Why may countries take different approaches?

Countries may adapt public health measures based on their national context, healthcare systems, operational capacities and legal frameworks. While ECDC provides common scientific advice and recommendations, national authorities assess how best to implement these measures according to their specific needs and circumstances. 

What will happen to passengers after they return to their home countries?

ECDC, WHO and the countries involved have worked together on scientific guidance for the management of passengers returning from the ship. These recommendations will be adapted and implemented at national level depending on the situation and public health needs in each country.

Passengers with symptoms may require medical isolation, testing and medical care. Passengers without symptoms may be asked to continue self-quarantine and symptom monitoring for up to six weeks. If symptoms develop, testing and further medical assessment will follow.

Why are public health authorities concerned about this outbreak?

This outbreak is concerning for the following reasons:

• While humans can usually only get a hantavirus infection from contact with contaminated particles from rodents, this outbreak involves the Andes strain, which can spread between humans, although this happens rarely.
• Infection with Andes virus has a high fatality rate, as it can cause a life-threatening condition called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
• People can spread the virus before they start showing symptoms, and it can take up to two to eight weeks for symptoms to appear. This can make it challenging to control the outbreak.
• There is no treatment to tackle the infection or vaccine for the Andes virus, and treatment focuses on addressing symptoms.

How do I handle misinformation and how do I know what information on the outbreak is accurate? 

When disease outbreaks happen, like the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship, people may feel worried or scared. There are often many unknowns during an outbreak, and the situation can change quickly. It is natural that people look for answers to their questions and concerns, and may develop their own theories about why an outbreak is happening. 

Along with an outbreak, you will often see a surge of misinformation. Believing in misinformation depends on many factors, such as whether people trust the source or if it fits with their prior knowledge or beliefs. Our information environment, steered by algorithms, also plays a large role in what kind of misinformation and correct information we encounter. 

When it comes to outbreak information, it is always best to consult the websites and social media channels of official verified health authorities in your country, or international ones like ECDC and WHO.