The World Health Organization has declared the global risk of hantavirus 'absolutely low'. This assessment follows a cluster of seven cases linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Health officials are now monitoring the situation closely to prevent wider spread.
While the immediate threat appears contained, the way the virus spreads via rodents remains a concern. Seven individuals have already been affected by this cluster, including three deaths and four illnesses. The outbreak is tied to the MV Hondius, which recently travelled from Argentina toward the Canary Islands.
We look at the timeline of the outbreak and what the global response looks like.
WHO Assesses Risk as 'Absolutely Low' Amid Cruise Ship Cluster
Global health officials say the risk of hantavirus spreading to the general public is absolutely low[1]. The World Health Organization issued this assessment following a cluster of infections linked to the MV Hondius[5]. This international cruise ship recently travelled from Argentina toward the Canary Islands.
One flight attendant recently tested negative for the virus. The worker had been in contact with an infected passenger from the ship.
Monitoring continues.
The Africa CDC is currently tracking reports of infections among those travelling on the vessel. While the virus primarily spreads through contact with rodent urine or droppings, officials noted that the situation could still change. More confirmed cases may emerge as investigations proceed.
Details of the MV Hondius Cluster and Global Response
Seven individuals have been affected by the hantavirus cluster. This group includes three deaths and four illnesses[3] linked to the ship. The outbreak is tied to the MV Hondius[5].
The ship left Ushuaia, Argentina, on 20 March 2026. It was travelling toward the Canary Islands via Cabo Verde.
Health agencies are tracking the movement of the vessel closely. The Africa CDC is monitoring reports of the infections among those travelling. They are watching for any signs of the virus spreading across borders.
Monitoring is also underway in Europe. The ECDC is assessing the cluster to determine the impact on international travel.
Officials say the virus does not spread directly from person to person. Instead, it primarily spreads through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. This makes the risk to the general public very low.
How Hantavirus actually spreads
Rodents are the primary carriers of the virus. The disease spreads when people breathe in aerosols from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. This often happens in areas where these animals live and breed.
Most people will never encounter this threat. The risk remains minimal outside of specific habitats where rodents thrive. This distinction separates a localized cluster from a global pandemic.
Sanitation is the best defence. Keeping environments clean and managing rodent populations prevents the virus from entering human spaces. Proper cleaning of supplies and storage areas is essential.
One flight attendant recently tested negative after contact with an infected passenger. This case highlights that the virus does not spread directly from person to person. The threat is tied to the environment, not human movement.
What health officials are monitoring
Health agencies are tracking every movement from the MV Hondius. The Africa CDC is closely monitoring reports of the infection cluster among those travelling on the vessel. This surveillance includes both crew members and passengers who have returned to land.
Testing remains a priority for anyone showing symptoms. Officials are coordinating closely with maritime authorities and national health agencies to manage the response. This partnership ensures that any new cases are identified and isolated quickly.
There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission in this specific cluster. The virus primarily spreads through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. This distinction is vital for preventing wider panic among the public.
Monitoring continues.
While the current risk is low, the situation could still change. More confirmed cases might emerge as testing protocols expand. Authorities are watching for any shift in the pattern of infections.
Next steps for maritime health
Health inspectors will soon check vessels docking at major ports. These inspections aim to identify any signs of rodent activity on incoming ships. Authorities are also tightening rodent control measures across maritime supply chains.
Monitoring continues for passengers and crew. Some individuals remain under observation to ensure no new symptoms appear. The Africa CDC is closely monitoring the situation to prevent further spread.
No date has been set for the next official update. Officials will release new information as more testing results arrive. The focus remains on preventing any shift in the current low-risk status.
Health inspectors will soon check vessels docking at major ports to identify any signs of rodent activity. Authorities are also tightening rodent control measures across maritime supply chains. Officials will release new information as more testing results arrive.
