3 dead as cruise ship Hantavirus outbreak spreads across 32 countries - WHO report

May 28, 2026

This handout picture released by Argentina’s Health Ministry shows a scientist from the Malbrán Institute holding a container used to diagnose the Andes hantavirus, which contains RNA from the Andes virus as part of the detection process, in Buenos Aires on May 6, 2026. Argentina has seen an increase in hantavirus cases but not an outbreak, an expert told AFP on May 6, as infections aboard a cruise ship have provoked a global health scare. The MV Hondius set sail from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on April 1 and is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde after three passengers died, possibly of hantavirus. (Photo by Handout / ARGENTINE HEALTH MINISTRY / AFP) / XGTY / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO /Argentina’s Health Ministry” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

By Chioma Obinna

A deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to an international cruise ship has sparked a major global health alert after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the virus has spread across 32 countries, territories and areas, leaving three people dead and hundreds under monitoring.

The outbreak, traced to the Netherlands-flagged cruise vessel M/V Hondius, has so far recorded 13 confirmed and probable cases among passengers and crew members, with WHO warning that additional infections may still emerge because the virus can incubate for up to six weeks.