Andes Hantavirus outbreak in cruise ship, May 2026

ECDC was notified on 2 May 2026 of a cluster of severe respiratory illness on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship with passengers and crew from 23 countries, including nine EU/EEA countries. 

As of 7 May, seven people have developed symptoms including fever, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, with at least four progressing rapidly to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and shock.  Of the seven people, three have died. 

The virus has been identified as Andes hantavirus, the only hantavirus that can be transmitted person-to-person, typically requiring close, prolonged contact. Measures are already in place on board of the ship to reduce the likelihood of infection among passengers and crew.