WHO Classifies MV Hondius Passengers As High-Risk After Hantavirus Outbreak

The World Health Organisation has classified all passengers and crew aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship as high-risk contacts following a hantavirus outbreak that resulted in several infections and deaths.

The organisation has advised authorities to actively monitor everyone who was onboard for a period of 42 days after disembarkation.

WHO Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, Maria Van Kerkhove, stated during a media briefing that no passengers or crew members currently showed symptoms. She stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and follow-up due to the seriousness of the outbreak.

The cruise ship is expected to dock in the Canary Islands, though the WHO said the risk to the general public and local residents remains low.

International health authorities have already informed all relevant contact points in affected countries to support contact tracing efforts and public health coordination.

According to a WHO Disease Outbreak News update, severe respiratory illness was first reported aboard the ship on May 2.

At the time, 147 passengers and crew members remained onboard, while 34 others had already disembarked before authorities confirmed the outbreak.

As of May 8, health officials reported eight symptomatic cases linked to the outbreak, including three deaths.

Tests confirmed six Andes virus hantavirus infections. The WHO urged continued contact tracing and infection control, while advising people to monitor symptoms such as fever, headache and nausea.

The organisation also recommended mask-wearing for low-risk contacts as health authorities continue monitoring the outbreak closely.

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