Andes hantavirus confirmed on MV Hundius; 11 cases, three deaths reported
WHO confirms Andes hantavirus on cruise ship MV Hundius; 11 cases and three deaths reported as of May 13, 2026, raising concerns about onboard transmission.
The World Health Organization has confirmed that the hantavirus strain linked to an outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hundius is the Andes hantavirus, a variant capable of human-to-human transmission. The WHO reported that, as of May 13, 2026, there were 11 total cases associated with the vessel, including three fatalities, with laboratory confirmation for eight cases. Two additional cases have been classified as probable and one case remains undetermined in the United States, according to the agency.
WHO confirmation and strain details
The WHO publicly identified the virus affecting passengers and crew of the MV Hundius as the Andes hantavirus, a strain noted for its capacity for person-to-person spread. The agency emphasized that all reported infections occurred on board the ship and that the identification followed laboratory analysis of clinical samples. WHO officials described the finding as significant because most hantaviruses do not typically transmit between humans.
Public health authorities relied on molecular testing to distinguish the Andes strain from other hantavirus variants, the WHO said. The confirmation prompted immediate international notifications and coordination with national health agencies responsible for the passengers and the ship’s itinerary.
Case tally, testing status and fatalities
Health authorities monitoring the outbreak reported a total of 11 cases linked to the MV Hundius as of May 13, 2026. Of these, eight have been confirmed by laboratory testing, two are classified as probable cases, and one remains undetermined in the United States. Three deaths have been attributed to the outbreak, representing an estimated case fatality rate of about 27 percent among the reported cases.
Officials cautioned that case counts and classifications may change as additional laboratory results and epidemiological investigations are completed. The WHO said that sequencing results and clinical data are being used to verify diagnoses and to trace possible chains of transmission among those on board.
Transmission dynamics aboard the vessel
The WHO’s identification of the Andes hantavirus as the causative strain underscores the likelihood of direct or close-contact transmission among people aboard the MV Hundius. Unlike many hantaviruses that primarily spread through contact with rodent excreta, the Andes strain has previously been associated with limited human-to-human transmission in other outbreaks, according to global health literature referenced by investigators.
On a cruise ship, close quarters, shared facilities and prolonged contact between passengers and crew can increase opportunities for exposure. Investigators are focusing on passenger movements, cabin assignments, crew duties and social interactions to map potential transmission events and identify those at highest risk.
Public health actions and investigations under way
Following the WHO’s confirmation, national public health authorities and maritime health bodies initiated measures including contact tracing, targeted testing and isolation of suspected cases. The WHO and partner agencies are supporting laboratory confirmation and advising on infection prevention protocols tailored to shipboard environments. Health officials have urged that exposed individuals be monitored for symptoms and tested promptly.
Maritime health authorities are coordinating with port health services to manage disembarkation, quarantine and medical evacuation where clinically indicated. Investigators are also reviewing the ship’s health logs, sanitation procedures and any prior illness reports to establish a timeline and potential index case.
Implications for maritime operations and regional vigilance
The outbreak on the MV Hundius highlights vulnerabilities in maritime settings and the need for reinforced surveillance and response measures across regional ports, including those serving the United Arab Emirates. Cruise ships and other passenger vessels present unique challenges for infectious disease control, making rapid detection, clear reporting channels and preparedness plans essential to limit spread.
Authorities recommended reviewing screening protocols for symptomatic travellers, enhancing onboard medical capacity, and conducting refresher training for crew on infection control. Health agencies said cross-border cooperation and timely information sharing will be crucial to manage potential secondary cases linked to port visits or subsequent travel.
The WHO has committed to providing updates as investigations progress and more laboratory data becomes available. Health officials continue to monitor close contacts and assess whether additional public health interventions are necessary to contain the outbreak.
The situation remains under active investigation, and further case confirmations or reclassifications may be announced by the WHO and national authorities in the coming days.
