Evidence of #Juquitiba and #Jaborá #Orthohantavirus Co-Circulation in #Rodent Communities of #Argentina

 

Abstract

Hantaviruses infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts. In the Americas, Orthohantavirus species pose a major public health concern due to their ability to cause Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS). Given the lack of approved vaccines and specific treatments for HCPS, identifying circulating orthohantavirus genotypes and their hosts, along with estimating prevalence, is essential for designing effective preventive strategies. The objectives of this study were: (1) to identify the orthohantavirus hosts, (2) to determine the circulating orthohantavirus genotypes, (3) to assess the population structure and dynamics of Akodon montensis, (4) to characterize the rodent communities, and (5) to evaluate associations between A. montensis abundance and environmental variables in two protected natural areas of Misiones Province, Argentina. A total of 12 rodent trapping sessions were conducted from April 2021 to February 2023 in Urugua-í and Cruce Caballero Provincial Parks. Orthohantavirus antibodies were detected in four A. montensis and three Oligoryzomys nigripes from both Provincial Parks. Molecular analyses provided evidence of the co-circulation of Jaborá and Juquitiba orthohantavirus genotypes. Both areas exhibited similar rodent community compositions, with A. montensis as the numerically dominant species and O. nigripes occurring at low abundance. In Urugua-í, A. montensis abundance varied in relation to precipitation and vegetation productivity, whereas no such associations were observed in Cruce Caballero. Further studies are needed to effectively monitor these communities and to gain a better understanding of potential fluctuations in seroprevalence, changes in genotype pathogenicity, and the possible detection of unknown genotypes.

Source: 

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10393-026-01803-8

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#UK, Health Security Agency #update on the #hantavirus cruise #ship #outbreak (May 8 '26)

 

Statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

The UK government continues to work with international authorities in preparing for the arrival of British nationals to the UK from the MV Hondius cruise ship where an outbreak of Hantavirus was confirmed by the World Health Organization.

Two British nationals have confirmed hantavirus, with an additional suspected case of a British national on Tristan da Cunha. 

None of the British citizens onboard are currently reporting symptoms but they are being closely monitored.

The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife on Sunday, according to the latest updates from the Spanish Health Ministry. 

UK government staff will be on the ground ready to support the British nationals disembarking. 

British Passengers and ship crew not displaying any symptoms of hantavirus will be escorted by UK Government staff to an airport and given free passage back to the UK.

FCDO and UKHSA teams will be on the ground to support these arrangements, bolstered by a Rapid Deployment Team sent from the UK. 

The FCDO is chartering a dedicated repatriation flight for British ship passengers and crew only. This flight will be free of charge.

UKHSA is working with partners to ensure the flight operates under strict infection control measures. 

Public health and infectious disease specialists from UKHSA and the NHS will be on board to monitor British Nationals whilst on the flight, to ensure that preventative measures are in place and to provide any care in the unlikely event that any passengers become unwell on the flight.

All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius will be asked to isolate for 45 days upon returning to the UK and UKHSA will closely monitor these individuals, with testing as required.

Follow up is already underway for individuals who may have been in contact with cases and have since returned to the UK or are in in UK Overseas Territories. 

The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given appropriate support.

UKHSA is aware of seven British Nationals who disembarked the ship at St Helena on 24 April.

Two of those people have returned to the UK independently and are isolating at home in the UK. 

Neither of these individuals is currently reporting symptoms. They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate.

Four of these individuals remain in St Helena. A seventh individual has been traced outside of the UK.

The FCDO is in direct contact with the ship and British nationals on board and has stood up consular teams across multiple countries to support British nationals. 

UK government is working very closely with international partners in response to this incident, including the cruise ship operator and the governments of UK overseas territories which were visited by the ship. 

UK government teams are working at pace to get medical support to all affected Overseas Territories. 

The Ministry of Defence has worked with UKHSA to provide vital diagnostic supplies, including PCR tests, which were delivered to Ascension Island via a military plane on 7 May.

The risk to the general public remains very low.

Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said:

''This is an evolving situation, and we are working closely with partners to support British Nationals on board the MV Hondius.

''The risk to the general population remains very low and the public can be reassured that established infection control measures will be put in place at every step of the journey to ensure the safe repatriation of British passengers on board.

Further information on the repatriation of British nationals will be provided in due course.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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#WHO’s #response to #hantavirus cases linked to a cruise #ship (May 7 '26)

 

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, briefed media today on a cluster of hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship, the MV Hondius.

Eight cases have been reported so far, including three deaths. Five of the 8 cases have been confirmed as hantavirus.

The hantavirus involved is the Andes virus, the only species known to be capable of limited transmission between humans, linked to close and prolonged contact.

Describing the situation, Dr Tedros said, “While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low.” He noted that given the incubation period, “it’s possible that more cases may be reported.”

WHO is coordinating closely with multiple countries under the International Health Regulations or IHR, rules that define the rights and obligations of countries and WHO in responding to public health events. This event demonstrates why the IHR exist, demonstrating the importance of global cooperation and solidarity in responding to health threats that know no borders.

“Our priorities are to ensure the affected patients receive care, that the remaining passengers on the ship are kept safe and treated with dignity, and to prevent any further spread of the virus,” Dr Tedros said.

WHO has taken a number of actions since it was notified of the situation on Saturday, 2 May 2026. The latest of these include deploying an expert on board the ship, to support a comprehensive medical assessment of all passengers and crew, while gathering critical information to evaluate their risk of infection.

WHO has arranged for the shipment of 2500 diagnostic kits from Argentina to laboratories in five countries to strengthen testing capacity. The Organization is also developing step-by-step operational guidance for the safe and respectful disembarkation and onward travel of passengers and crew when they arrive.

Watch the full press conference

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/news/item/07-05-2026-who-s-response-to-hantavirus-cases-linked-to-a-cruise-ship

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#Fatal #Human Case of #Influenza #H5N5 in a Backyard Flock Owner — #Washington {State}, November 2025

 

Summary

-- What is already known about this topic?

- Since 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses have circulated among wild birds in the United States. Seventy human cases of influenza A(H5), most with mild illness, have been reported in the United States since 2024; 14 human influenza A(H5N1) cases were previously identified in Washington.

-- What is added by this report?

- In November 2025, Washington reported the first human case of HPAI A(H5N5) infection worldwide. A positive laboratory result was obtained from a lower respiratory sample after multiple negative upper respiratory sample results; the patient experienced respiratory failure and died 28 days after symptom onset. The public health investigation identified approximately 135 exposed persons.

-- What are the implications for public health practice?

- Symptom management and testing of exposed persons are critical to monitoring for human-to-human transmission of novel influenza infection. Environmental and animal investigations, including genomic analysis, can identify epidemiologic risk factors.

Abstract

Clade 2.3.4.4b influenza A(H5N1) viruses have circulated across migratory bird flyways in the United States since 2022, including in Washington, where backyard flock detections have been reported annually. In November 2025, a Washington resident died from acute respiratory failure after receiving a positive influenza A(H5) test result at a hospital laboratory. Washington Public Health Laboratories confirmed influenza A(H5), and genomic sequencing identified influenza A(H5N5) virus (A6 genotype). Polymerase chain reaction testing detected highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) virus clade 2.3.4.4b from an apparently healthy backyard flock of ducks and sediment from a watering basin on the patient’s property. Six of eight gene segments from the environmental sample and one duck sample (partial neuraminidase segment) were highly genetically similar to the patient’s virus sequence. Although existing wild bird surveillance had not detected influenza A(H5N5) virus (A6) in the U.S. Pacific Flyway, introduction via wild birds into the environment of the backyard flock was likely the source of the patient’s exposure. The public health investigation identified approximately 135 exposed persons; symptom monitoring and influenza testing detected no additional cases. The overall risk for avian influenza A remains low among the general U.S. population; however, novel avian influenza A virus infection should be considered in persons with symptoms of influenza and potential exposures.

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7517a2.htm?s_cid=OS_mm7517a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM155047&ACSTrackingLabel=Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2075%2C%20May%207%2C%202026&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM155047

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Serologic #Evidence of #Influenza #H5N1 Virus #Infection in a #Veterinary Professional Exposed to an Infected #Cat — Los Angeles County, #California, Dec. '24–Jan. '25

 

Summary

-- What is already known about this topic?

- Transmission of influenza A(H5N1) viruses from domestic cats to humans has not been documented.

-- What is added by this report?

- During November 2024–January 2025, a total of 139 persons exposed to 19 A(H5N1)-infected domestic cats that consumed raw animal products were identified in Los Angeles County, California. Among 25 exposed persons who received serologic testing, one asymptomatic veterinary professional had serologic evidence of A(H5N1) infection after occupational exposure to an A(H5N1)-infected cat.

-- What are the implications for public health practice?

- These findings provide evidence of zoonotic transmission of influenza A(H5N1) virus from domestic cats to humans. Pet owners are advised not to feed raw animal products to cats. Veterinary professionals should be aware of infection risks, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and adhere to recommended infection control practices to reduce the risk for zoonotic transmission of influenza A(H5N1).

Abstract

Since 2021, avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have spread widely among wild birds and domesticated poultry in the United States, with sporadic spillover into mammals. During November 2024–January 2025, 19 domestic cats in Los Angeles County, California, became ill after consumption of commercially purchased raw milk, raw meat, or raw pet food; nine cats tested positive for influenza A(H5N1) virus (clade 2.3.4.4b genotype B3.13). Overall, 139 persons were exposed to the 19 infected cats, and all were monitored for symptoms. Although 30 persons reported influenza-like illness symptoms, none received a positive influenza A(H5) reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result. In April 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and CDC invited all exposed persons to participate in an influenza A(H5N1) serosurvey to determine whether transmission of influenza A(H5N1) virus occurred, including in those without symptoms. Sera from 25 (18%) of the 139 exposed persons were tested. Among these, antibodies specific to A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4.b (antigenically similar to the clade 2.3.4.4.b influenza A[H5N1] virus isolated from the infected cats) were detected in serum from one veterinary professional, who was asymptomatic. This person did not use respiratory or eye protection during the exposure, did not report influenza-like illness after the exposure, and reported no other known risk factors for A(H5N1) infection. These findings represent serologic evidence of possible transmission of influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4.b virus from a domestic cat to a human, highlighting concerns about potential cat-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5N1) virus and the importance of infection control practices in veterinary settings.

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7517a1.htm?s_cid=OS_mm7517a1_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM155047&ACSTrackingLabel=Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2075%2C%20May%207%2C%202026&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM155047

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#WHO #DG's opening #remarks at the media #briefing – 7 May 2026 (edited)

 

7 May 2026

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening. 

Thank you for joining us for this briefing on the hantavirus situation. 

Let me begin by outlining what has happened, what we know, what we don’t know, and what WHO has done. 

Last Saturday, the United Kingdom notified WHO under the International Health Regulations of a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship, the MV Hondius, which had travelled from Argentina to Cabo Verde. 

So far, eight cases have been reported, including three deaths. 

Five of the eight cases have been confirmed as hantavirus, and the other three are suspected. 

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans. 

People are usually infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva. 

The species of hantavirus involved in this case is the Andes virus – which is found in Latin America and is the only species known to be capable of limited transmission between humans. 

In previous outbreaks of Andes virus, transmission between people has been associated with close and prolonged contact, particularly among household members, intimate partners and people providing medical care. 

That appears to be the case in the current situation. 

The first case was in a man who developed symptoms on the 6th of April and died on the ship on the 11th of April. 

No samples were taken, and because his symptoms were similar to those of other respiratory diseases, hantavirus was not suspected. 

The man’s wife went ashore when the ship docked at the island of Saint Helena, and was also symptomatic. She deteriorated during a flight to Johannesburg on the 25th of April and died the next day. 

Samples were taken, which were tested at South Africa’s National Institute of Communicable Diseases and confirmed as hantavirus. 

The third death was of a woman on the ship who developed symptoms on the 28th of April and died on the 2nd of May. 

Another man presented to the ship’s doctor on the 24th of April. He was evacuated on the 27th of April from the island of Ascension to South Africa, where he remains in intensive care. 

Doctors from Cabo Verde boarded the ship to provide care for three other passengers with symptoms. WHO coordinated their evacuation to the Netherlands for treatment. 

I would like to thank Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva of Cabo Verde for his support in facilitating the evacuation of these three patients, based on our request. 

Two are in a stable condition in hospital, and one is asymptomatic and is now in Germany. 

The eighth case was in a man who disembarked in Saint Helena. 

Following advice from the ship’s operator, he reported himself with symptoms in Zürich, Switzerland, and was confirmed yesterday to be infected with hantavirus. 

The Geneva University Hospitals then sequenced the virus and confirmed it as Andes. 

None of the remaining passengers or crew on the ship are currently symptomatic. 

WHO is aware of reports of other people with symptoms who may have had contact with one of the passengers. In each case, we are in close contact with the relevant authorities. 

Given the incubation period for Andes virus, which can be up to six weeks, it’s possible that more cases may be reported. 

While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low. 

It also shows why the International Health Regulations exist, and how they work. 

WHO is working with multiple governments and partners on the response, under those Regulations. 

Our priorities are to ensure the affected patients receive care, that the remaining passengers on the ship are kept safe and treated with dignity, and to prevent any further spread of the virus. 

On Monday, I asked Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain to accept the ship, which he agreed to do – and I thank Prime Minister Sanchez for his generosity, solidarity and for meeting his moral duty. 

The ship is now sailing for the Canary Islands. We are confident in the capacity of Spain to manage this risk, and we are supporting them to do so. 

Once again, we assess the risk to the people of the Canary Islands as low. 

WHO has provided guidance to the ship’s operator on the management of health on board the vessel. 

All passengers have been asked to stay in their cabins, the cabins are being disinfected, and anyone who shows symptoms will be isolated immediately. 

A WHO expert boarded the ship in Cabo Verde, and has been joined by two doctors from the Netherlands and an expert from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, who will stay on the ship until it reaches the Canary Islands. 

They are conducting a medical assessment of everyone on board and gathering information to assess their risk of infection. 

WHO is developing step-by-step operational guidance for the safe and respectful disembarkation and onward travel of passengers and crew when they arrive. 

WHO has also informed 12 countries whose nationals disembarked in Saint Helena. 

Those 12 countries are: 

1) Canada, 

2) Denmark, 

3) Germany, 

4) the Netherlands, 

5) New Zealand, 

6) Saint Kitts and Nevis, 

7) Singapore, 

8) Sweden, 

9) Switzerland, 

10) Türkiye, 

11) the United Kingdom and the 

12) United States of America. 

In addition, WHO is supporting health authorities in South Africa to follow-up people who were on the flight from Saint Helena to Johannesburg with the woman who later died. 

Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the outbreak are continuing. 

Prior to boarding the ship, the first two cases had travelled through Argentina, Chile and Uruguay on a bird-watching trip, which included visits to sites where the species of rat that is known to carry Andes virus was present. 

WHO is working with health authorities in Argentina to understand the movements of the couple, and I thank the Government of Argentina for its cooperation, given its experience and expertise with Andes virus. 

We have also arranged for shipments of 2500 diagnostic kits from Argentina to laboratories in five countries. 

I would also like to thank the Governments of Cabo Verde, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom for their close partnership and support. 

I also thank the many partners who have provided expertise, including the NICD in South Africa, the Institut Pasteur Dakar in Senegal, and the HUG here in Switzerland. 

And I would also like to thank the ship’s operator for its cooperation, and the passengers and crew who are going through a very difficult and frightening situation. 

I have been in touch with the ship’s captain regularly, including this morning. He told me morale has improved significantly since the ship started moving again. I thank him for everything he has done to protect those under his duty of care. 

WHO will continue to work with all relevant governments and partners to provide care for those who are affected, protect the safety and dignity of passengers, and prevent onward spread of the virus. 

Christian, back to you.

(...)

 Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/news-room/speeches/item/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing---7-may-2026

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#Netherlands, #Hantavirus #update (Ministry of Health, May 7 '26): three symptomatic patients under surveillance

 

Currently, three people with symptoms in the Netherlands have been tested for the Andean virus, a variant of the hantavirus. 

Two test results are negative. 

The other test is still being analyzed. These three people developed symptoms after having contact with a person infected with the Andean virus on board an airplane.

GGDcontinues to monitor these people.

The other passengers receive information from the GGD about what they need to do. This depends on their seat on the plane and the degree of contact with the person with Andean virus.

If passengers have had direct contact, they are called daily by the GGD to closely monitor their health. Passengers who have had close contact are asked to monitor their symptoms themselves.

The risk for people in the Netherlands is very small.

The RIVM understands that people in the Netherlands have questions and concerns about the virus. However, the RIVM emphasizes that the chance of people contracting the Andean virus is very small.

The Andean virus spreads primarily through contact with mouse and rat droppings. The chance of this virus spreading from person to person is very small. This only happens if people have close contact with each other for an extended period, for example in a family setting.

Intensive collaboration with various parties

The RIVM works closely with, among others, the Municipal Health Services, the Ministry of VWS, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Erasmus MC, national governments and international health organizations such as the ECDC and the WHO.

Source: 

Link: https://www.rivm.nl/nieuws/update-hantavirus

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#HK PRC SAR: DH follows up on #hantavirus #infection #cluster on cruise #ship in Atlantic Ocean (May 7 '26)

 

In view of a hantavirus infection cluster on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (May 7) that it had proactively sought further information from the World Health Organization (WHO) and relevant health authorities during the past few days. 

According to the information provided by the WHO and the relevant health authorities, it has been confirmed that there are no Hong Kong residents on the cruise ship in question. 

Based on the WHO's current assessment, the risk to global health posed by the incident is low. 

As a precaution, the CHP has distributed the latest health information and guidelines to the travel industry. 

At the immigration level, the CHP will continue to conduct health screenings for arrivals at all boundary control points and perform health assessments on individuals with a fever, referring relevant individuals to hospitals for medical examinations as needed.

According to the WHO's notification, the cruise ship carried a total of 147 passengers and crew members, who boarded the vessel in Argentina on April 1, 2026. 

As of May 6, the hantavirus infection cluster involved eight cases (three confirmed and five suspected cases). 

The first case presented symptoms on April 6. Three of the patients have passed away. Further laboratory testing showed that the hantaviruses in two of the confirmed cases belonged to the Andes genotype, which is currently the only type of hantaviruses confirmed to have limited human-to-human transmission.

"The CHP's Port Health Division has contacted the Airport Authority Hong Kong, as well as relevant organisations and operators in the travel industry (including the Airline Operators' Committee Hong Kong, the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, management companies of ferry terminals, cruise operators) to provide them with information on the epidemiological development of the hantaviruses, preventive measures, guidelines and relevant health information, with a view to strengthening health education for travellers and port staff. Furthermore, the CHP has provided information on rodent control to relevant parties and reminded them to implement various rodent control measures and strengthen environmental hygiene monitoring at all boundary control points," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

Dr Tsui added that hantavirus infection is a statutory notifiable disease in Hong Kong. All doctors must notify the CHP of any suspected or confirmed cases of hantavirus infection, enabling the CHP to initiate epidemiological investigations and implement prevention and control measures. 

At the immigration level, the CHP conducts medical assessments of arrivals who appear unwell or have a fever at all boundary control points. The CHP also refers them to hospitals for medical examinations when necessary. 

The CHP will continue to closely monitor the latest global situation regarding hantavirus and adjust local prevention and control measures in a timely manner based on risk assessments.

Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the faeces, saliva or urine of infected rodents or by inhaling the virus in aerosolised particles of their excreta. 

Other routes of infection include being bitten or scratched by infected rodents; eating food contaminated with the virus; and touching the eyes, nose or mouth without washing hands after contact with contaminated objects. 

Human-to-human transmission is relatively rare.

Diseases in humans caused by hantaviruses can be broadly classified into two categories, namely Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. 

The incubation period for hantavirus is generally two to four weeks, but can be as short as one week or as long as eight weeks. 

Depending on the category of infection, symptoms may include fever, intense headache, muscle ache, back pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue and blurred vision. 

Severe cases may present with respiratory symptoms (such as coughing and shortness of breath), low blood pressure and acute kidney failure. 

The fatality rate of the disease can be as high as about 40 per cent.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent hantavirus infection. Treatment primarily consists of supportive care. Therefore, seeking medical attention early is crucial.

As of May 6, no cases of hantavirus infection have been reported in Hong Kong this year. Over the past five years, an average of zero to two cases of hantavirus infection have been recorded annually in Hong Kong.

To prevent the hantavirus infection, the public should take the following measures:

- Perform hand hygiene frequently. Wash hands with liquid soap and water;

- Eliminate sources of food or nesting places for rodents in living environments to prevent rodent infestation;

- Avoid contact with rodents, handling live or dead rodents with bare hands, entering rodent infested space, handling rodent excreta or nests, keeping wild rodents as pets; handling equipment kept in areas found with rodents, gardening with bare hands; lying on the ground, and living in residences frequented by rodents; and

- Travellers should avoid visiting or staying in areas with poor environmental hygiene and avoid contacting rodents or their excreta. Adventure travellers and campers should take precautions to exclude rodents from tents or other accommodation and to protect all food from rodent contamination.

Cruise passengers should take the following measures to prevent and reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases while on board, as they are often in relatively crowded cabin environments during their voyages:

- contact the cruise line to cancel your trip if you feel unwell before departure;

- immediately notify the ship's medical staff and follow their health advice if you feel unwell during the voyage (e.g., fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc);

- maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times during the voyage; 

- wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas.

 For more information on hantavirus, please visit the CHP's website or the DH's Travel Health Service website.

 

Ends/Thursday, May 7, 2026

Issued at HKT 19:00

Source: 

Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202605/07/P2026050700624.htm?fontSize=1

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{#Hantavirus} #Spain #Government holding seven coordination #meetings today with countries involved and with Government of the Canary Islands (May 7 '26)

 

• Mónica García and Ángel Víctor Torres have met with the President of the Canary Islands to analyze the situation and the procedure to follow for the transfer of the passengers of the MV Hondius.
• Anchoring the ship in Granadilla (Tenerife) is an option that was already being considered due to the technical characteristics of the Port, which is not prepared for the disembarkation of people.

Madrid, May 7, 2026 - The Minister of Health, Mónica García, and the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, held an information meeting today with the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Health, regarding the protocols that will be followed with the passengers of the MV Hondius who will disembark in the Canary Islands, for their control and subsequent transfer to Madrid, in the case of the 14 Spaniards, and to their countries of origin, in the case of the rest of the passengers.

This meeting is part of the ongoing communication that has existed between the Government of Spain and the Government of the Canary Islands at both a technical and institutional level since the beginning of the hantavirus health crisis.

Ministers García and Torres have expressed their full willingness to assist since learning of the infections on the cruise ship and their commitment to ensuring that the transfers are carried out with the utmost safety for both the patients and the public. 

In this regard, the Canary Islands president has been informed that the 147 passengers currently en route to the Canary Islands from Cape Verde remain asymptomatic and that the option of anchoring the ship upon arrival at the Port of Granadilla (Tenerife) was already being considered for various reasons, including the port's technical limitations, as it is not equipped for disembarking passengers.

In addition to appealing for responsibility and trust in science, the ministers recalled that today, as has been the case since Tuesday, two more technical meetings are planned between the Ministries of Health and the Interior with the Government of the Canary Islands, which are part of the seven coordination meetings that the Government of Spain will hold today with the Government delegations and, at the European level, with those responsible for health security and Civil Protection of the EU.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sanidad.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa.do?id=6902

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Immunopathogenic insights into members of the class #Bunyaviricetes: a comparative #review of emerging #zoonotic #threats

 

Abstract

The class Bunyaviricetes encompasses a diverse group of vector- and rodent-borne viruses, many of which are major human pathogens causing severe and often lethal diseases worldwide. These include Lassa fever virus (Arenaviridae), hantaviruses such as Hantaan and Andes viruses (Hantaviridae), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (Nairoviridae), La Crosse and Oropouche viruses (Peribunyaviridae), and Rift Valley fever, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome, and Toscana viruses (Phenuiviridae). Clinical syndromes range from hemorrhagic fever with multiorgan failure, vascular leak, and shock to acute encephalitis and severe respiratory distress. Despite their public health impact, safe and effective vaccines or targeted therapeutics are lacking for most bunyaviricetes diseases, leaving supportive care as the primary intervention. This review provides a comparative analysis of the immunopathogenesis of major human-pathogenic bunyaviricetes, highlighting shared and virus-specific strategies for innate immune evasion, cytokine modulation, and host cell targeting. Severe disease often arises from viral interference with key sensing pathways, such as RIG-I/MDA5 and downstream IRF and NF-κB signaling, which either suppresses interferon responses or leads to dysregulated inflammation. By integrating molecular, immunological, and clinical insights, we outline how these immune-virus interactions shape disease trajectory and severity. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for guiding the rational design of vaccines, antivirals, and immunomodulatory therapies, and for strengthening preparedness against these persistent zoonotic threats.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879625726000362?via%3Dihub

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#Statement on the M/V #Hondius Cruise #Ship {#Andes Virus #Cluster of Cases} (#US CDC, May 7 '26)

 

The Administration is closely monitoring the situation with U.S. travelers onboard the M/V Hondius cruise ship with confirmed hantavirus. 

Our top priority remains the health and safety of all U.S. passengers. 

The Department of State is leading a coordinated, whole-of-government response including direct contact with passengers, diplomatic coordination, and engagement with domestic and international health authorities.

As the world's leader in global health security, the US government is using our premier health experts to guide our response to this evolving situation. We are working closely with our international partners to provide technical assistance and guidance to mitigate risk.

At this time, the risk to the American public is extremely low. We urge all Americans aboard the ship to follow the guidance of health officials as we work to bring you home safely.

Further information is available at: About Hantavirus | Hantavirus | CDC

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2026-hantavirus-confirmed-cruise-ship.html

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Cluster of #Hantavirus (#Andes strain) on international cruise ship. #Taiwan CDC #Update (May 7 '26): 13 high-risk contact passengers disembarked in St Helena

 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced today (May 7) that the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a disease outbreak notification on May 4, 2026, regarding a Hantavirus Andes virus cluster outbreak on the Dutch-flagged international cruise ship MV Hondius during its voyage in the South Atlantic. 

As of May 5, the WHO has identified 8 cruise ship-related cases, including 3 deaths. 

Of the 8 cases, 3 have been laboratory-confirmed as Hantavirus infections, and the viral genome sequencing of 2 of these cases has confirmed Andes virus, with the sequencing of the remaining cases still underway. 

The WHO believes the most likely scenario for this cluster outbreak is that a passenger contracted Hantavirus through environmental exposure while traveling in Argentina or the Southern Cone region of South America, boarded the ship during the incubation period, and subsequently spread the virus through prolonged close contact, resulting in human-to-human transmission to 2 confirmed cases and at least 1 suspected case. 

Based on current epidemiological and laboratory information, the WHO assesses the overall risk of this event on the cruise ship as moderate and globally as low. 

Given that the outbreak is confined to a single international cruise ship and a few cases exported after disembarkation, and that there is currently no Andean virus animal host (the long-tailed rice rat) in Taiwan, the risk of direct importation into Taiwan is limited, and the domestic risk is low. 

There is currently no need to raise the travel alert level. 

However, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has formed a special task force to closely monitor the event and has adjusted prevention and control measures according to WHO and international recommendations. 

The CDC explains that the "Hondias" will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1, 2026, traversing the South Atlantic Ocean, with stops including the Antarctic mainland, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena, and Ascension Island—all highly biodiverse and remote areas. 

The ship carried 147 people, including 86 passengers and 61 crew members from 23 countries, and had been anchored off Cabo Verde since May 4. 

Further investigation revealed that 26 passengers disembarked near Saint Helena, 13 of whom were identified as high-risk contacts; one of these passengers returned home from Saint Helena on a commercial flight. 

On May 5, Switzerland reported a cruise ship passenger who tested positive for Andean virus via PCR and is currently under isolation and treatment in Switzerland. 

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) emphasized that all previous local and imported Hantavirus cases in Taiwan have been of the "Seoul virus," a type with lower severity and mortality rate, and the Andean virus present in this cruise ship incident has never been detected. 

Furthermore, there have only been two imported cases in the past: one from China in 2007 and one from Indonesia in 2019; there have been no imported cases from South America. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will continue to closely monitor the epidemic situation and strengthen public awareness campaigns to remind people traveling to South America not to come into contact with rodents, in order to reduce the threat of imported cases from South America. The public can rest assured.

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/l26a4ubInJSp3tioH9HjiA?typeid=9

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Efficacy and #Safety of an #mRNA Seasonal #Influenza #Vaccine in Adults

 

Abstract

Background

Seasonal influenza causes substantial illness and death in adults 50 years of age or older, even with current vaccines. An investigational messenger RNA (mRNA)–based vaccine called mRNA-1010 encodes hemagglutinin glycoproteins from World Health Organization–recommended influenza strains.

Methods

In this phase 3, double-blind, active-controlled trial, we randomly assigned adults 50 years of age or older to receive trivalent mRNA-1010 (37.5 μg, which includes 12.5 μg of each strain) or a licensed standard-dose comparator. The primary efficacy end point was relative vaccine efficacy against reverse-transcriptase–polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR)–confirmed, protocol-defined influenza-like illness caused by influenza A or B, from at least 14 days after vaccination through the end of the influenza season. Hypothesis testing was conducted hierarchically to assess noninferiority (lower boundary of the 95% confidence interval [CI], >−10%), superiority (lower boundary of the 95% CI, >0%), and a higher level of superiority (lower boundary of the 95% CI, >9.1%).

Results

A total of 40,703 participants received mRNA-1010 (20,350 participants) or the standard-dose comparator (20,353 participants); the median follow-up was 181 days (range, 1 to 227). RT-PCR–confirmed, protocol-defined influenza-like illness was observed in 411 of 20,179 recipients of mRNA-1010 (2.0%) and 557 of 20,124 recipients of the standard-dose comparator (2.8%), which corresponds to a relative vaccine efficacy of 26.6% (95% CI, 16.7 to 35.4), thereby meeting the criteria for noninferiority, superiority, and higher-level superiority. Solicited adverse reactions were more frequent with mRNA-1010 than with the standard-dose comparator (injection-site pain in 65.8% vs. 29.8%, fatigue in 45.1% vs. 20.3%, headache in 37.8% vs. 18.0%, and myalgia in 35.4% vs. 11.6%); most reactions were mild to moderate and transient. Serious adverse events were reported in 2.2% of the recipients of mRNA-1010 (with three events considered by the investigator to be vaccine-related) and in 1.9% of the recipients of the standard-dose comparator (with two events considered by the investigator to be vaccine-related).

Conclusions

In this trial, mRNA-1010 was superior to standard-dose licensed vaccines for prevention of RT-PCR–confirmed, protocol-defined influenza-like illness in adults 50 years of age or older. Solicited adverse reactions were more frequent with mRNA-1010. (Funded by Blackstone Life Sciences and Moderna; Fluent ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06602024.)

Source: 

Link: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2516491?query=TOC

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#UK Health Security Agency: #update on the #hantavirus cruise #ship #outbreak (May 6 '26)

 

Published: 6 May 2026

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) continues to work with the World Health Organization (WHO), Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and other international partners to prepare for the arrival of British nationals to the UK from the MV Hondius cruise ship where an outbreak of Hantavirus was confirmed.

Three people, including one British national, with suspected hantavirus have been evacuated from the Hondius in order to receive medical care in the Netherlands in co-ordination between the Cape Verde, UK and Dutch governments. UKHSA are in close contact with medical teams providing their care.   

The remaining British nationals can now be repatriated once the ship docks at its next destination if they do not develop symptoms. 

None of the British citizens onboard are currently reporting symptoms but they are being closely monitored. 

The FCDO is making arrangements for these individuals to return to the UK, where UKHSA is working with government to support them to isolate with regular testing and contact with healthcare professionals.

UKHSA is aware of two people who have returned to the UK independently having been on board the MV Hondius. Neither of these individuals is currently reporting symptoms. They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate. 

UKHSA are supporting a small number of individuals identified as close contacts of those on the boat. 

They are being offered support and are also self-isolating. None are reporting any symptoms. 

The risk to the general public remains very low.

Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director for Epidemic and Emerging Infections at UKHSA said:

''Our thoughts are with all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius.

''It’s important to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains very low. We are standing up arrangements to support, isolate and monitor British nationals from the ship on their return to the UK and we are contact tracing anyone who may have been in contact with the ship or the hantavirus cases to limit the risk of onward transmission.

''UKHSA will continue to work closely with government partners to offer all necessary support.

UKHSA is working closely with the FCDO, the Home Office, and Border Force to trace further individuals who may have been on the same flight as a confirmed case, in order to carry out public health risk assessments and ensure appropriate precautionary measures are in place.

Hantavirus is the name given to a group of viruses carried by rodents and transmitted by their droppings and urine. They can cause a range of diseases from mild, flu-like illness to severe respiratory illness. Infections in humans are rare and tend to occur in places where people and rodents coexist - most commonly in rural, agricultural settings, though the viruses can also sometimes be found in cleaning sheds, barns and holiday homes where rodents might have nested.

Most hantaviruses do not spread easily between humans, although person-to-person transmission has been observed in some cases involving particular strains. The World Health Organization is leading the international response to this incident and overseeing direction of the ship, including advising on how to minimise the risk of the disease spreading.

The FCDO is in direct contact with the ship and has stood up consular teams across multiple countries to support British nationals. UK government is working extremely closely with international partners in response to this incident, including the cruise ship operator and the governments of overseas territories which were visited by the ship.

Further information on Hantavirus can be found in the recent blog from UKHSA.

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak

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Epidemiological study of #hantavirus in Southern #Brazil, 2009-2019

 

ABSTRACT

Brazil has the highest number of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome cases on the American continent, with Santa Catarina being the state with the most notifications. This retrospective longitudinal study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of 177 hantavirus cases reported in Santa Catarina from 2009 to 2019, using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). Statistical analyses of socio-demographic, clinical, and epidemiological data revealed that the typical patient was a male of working age with low educational attainment, living in a rural area. The highest incidence occurred in the Santa Catarina West, Midwest, and Mountain regions, strongly associated with agricultural activities. The case fatality rate (CFR) was highest among the 15-19-year age group. Clinical risk factors for death included respiratory signs, increased hematocrit, and the need for mechanical ventilation. Patients who sought early care had a higher CFR, possibly due to the initial difficulty of differentiating hantavirus from other viral diseases. Conversely, regions with higher notification rates showed lower CFRs, suggesting better surveillance. This study highlights critical areas for public health intervention and the key characteristics of hantavirus patients (males in rural areas and adolescents aged 15-19 years in regions with low notification rates) and areas for public health intervention. Training for medical professionals in regions with low notification rates should aim to reduce lethality, especially in regions with low reported cases (Itajai river delta and South), where underreporting may be occurring. Furthermore, the high lethality in adolescents and in patients with non-specific initial symptoms requires greater awareness. This study shows the utility of a governmental database in identifying epidemiological patterns and creating public health strategies tailored to regional specificities.

Source: 

Link: https://www.scielo.br/j/rimtsp/a/VB7LM8DjmVJ9yJBwYzSjzMh/?lang=en

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Loss of nsp14-exonuclease activity impairs the #replication, proofreading, fitness, and #pathogenesis of #SARS-CoV-2

 

ABSTRACT

Coronaviruses (CoVs) replicate their RNA genomes with a higher degree of fidelity than other RNA viruses, a mechanism mediated by the proofreading and recombination activities of the exoribonuclease domain of replicase nonstructural protein 14 (nsp14-ExoN). Both murine hepatitis virus (MHV) and SARS-CoV tolerate nsp14-ExoN loss-of-function mutations (ExoN−) (D90A and E92A), but have impaired replication fidelity and pathogenesis; yet identical substitutions in MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 have been reported to be lethal. Here, we report a saturation mutagenesis approach facilitating the recovery and analysis of several constellations of SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 ExoN-inactivating, loss-of-function substitutions, including the canonical D90A and E92A. Biochemical assays with purified WT or ExoN-nsp10-14 fusion proteins confirmed that active site substitutions abolished ExoN activity (ExoN−). SARS-CoV-2 ExoN− viruses exhibited impaired replication, RNA synthesis, and recombination, as well as decreased replication fidelity and loss of fitness in vitro. ExoN− viruses were significantly attenuated for replication in human primary airway epithelial cells and were attenuated for replication and pathogenesis in WT mice, as well as the highly susceptible K18 transgenic mice. In the absence of interferon signaling in vivo, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 ExoN− viral replication could be partially restored. These results demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 ExoN− viruses are viable but highly impaired for replication, fitness, and fidelity in vitro, as well as innate immune antagonism and pathogenesis in vivo. Collectively, our results solidify the multiple critical roles of nsp14-ExoN across CoV genera and establish new approaches for rescuing and analyzing loss-of-function substitutions in studies of CoV replication, pathogenesis, and evolution.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00073-26

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#Switzerland, #Patient with a #hantavirus #infection being treated in hospital (Min. of Health, May 6 '26)

 

Bern, 06.05.2026 — One person with a hantavirus infection is currently being treated at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ). 

The patient is male and returned to Switzerland after travelling on the cruise ship on which there were a number of hantavirus cases. 

The USZ is prepared to deal with such cases, is able to care for the patient, and guarantee the safety of staff and all patients. 

There is currently no danger to the Swiss public.

One person has tested positive for hantavirus in Switzerland. The man had returned from a trip to South America with his wife at the end of April. 

Having noticed symptoms, he telephoned his GP and went to the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) for further assessment. 

There, he was immediately placed in isolation. A test that was carried out at the reference laboratory at the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) revealed a positive result for hantavirus. 

It concerns the Andes virus, a hantavirus that occurs in South America. 

Unlike the European hantaviruses, which are transmitted through excretions of infected rodents, for the American hantavirus variant, person-to-person transmission has also been documented in rare cases. 

However, transmission only occurs through close contact. 

The FOPH therefore considers the occurrence of further cases in Switzerland unlikely. 

The risk to the public in Switzerland is low.

The patient’s wife accompanied him on the trip. She has not yet shown any symptoms but is self-isolating as a precaution. 

The cantonal authorities are currently investigating whether the patient came into contact with other people during the infectious period. 

Appropriate safety measures are in place at the USZ for the patient's treatment. The USZ is the reference hospital for such diseases.

The FOPH is in close contact with other bodies, such as the Zurich cantonal authorities, Zurich and Geneva university hospitals and the WHO, is coordinating with them on an ongoing basis, and is monitoring developments closely.

Hantavirus fever is rare in Switzerland. In recent years there have been between 0 and 6 reported cases a year. Of these few cases, the vast majority are attributable to infections acquired abroad.

Source: 

Link: https://www.bag.admin.ch/en/newnsb/p--A7yPSfxdBqR0N9kZMC

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#Hantavirus #outbreak {in cruise ship}: Another #passenger contracts disease {total so far 8, of these 3 confirmed} (UN News Centre, May 6 '26)

 

It’s been confirmed that another passenger from the cruise liner linked to the outbreak of hantavirus has contracted the disease, which has claimed the lives of three people on board and sparked an international alert coordinated by the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

The individual, who is male, had been travelling on the Dutch-flagged vessel, the Hondius, at the centre of the outbreak. 

He is being treated in a Zurich hospital after returning to Switzerland and responding to an email from the ship’s operator.

“In line with the International Health Regulations (IHR), WHO is working with relevant countries to support international contact tracing, to ensure that those potentially exposed are monitored and that any further disease spread is limited,” the agency said in a post on X.

As of Wednesday, three of the ship’s 147 passengers have died since it sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from Argentina, to its current berth off the coast of Cabo Verde, according to the WHO. 

On X, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that three passengers “have just been evacuated” from the ship and were en route to the Netherlands for treatment.

“At this stage, the overall public health risk remains low,” Tedros stressed.

Expedition ship

Publicly available data indicates that the vessel was built in Croatia and launched in June 2018. The Hondius is around 108 metres long and is listed under ship identification number 9818709 with the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

The vessel has capacity for 196 passengers and 72 crew; it is named after the 17th century map publisher and engraver Jodocus Hondius. 

The expedition ship’s maiden voyage in 2019 took it from Vlissingen in the Netherlands to the volcanic island of Jan Mayen and Spitzbergen in the Arctic Circle.

The UN agency said that the victims may have been infected with the disease prior to boarding. It has reported eight cases of infection so far, including three confirmed as Andes hantavirus by laboratory testing.

On Tuesday, the WHO said that one individual was in intensive care in South Africa, although their condition was “improving”. 

Work to identify the virus has involved the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa and Geneva University Hospitals (HUG). The Pasteur Institute in Dakar and Argentina’s National Administration of Health Laboratories and Institutes also provided further “critical” support, WHO noted.

Patient care is ‘highest priority’

“WHO will continue to work with countries to ensure that the patients, contacts, passengers and crew have the information and support they need to stay safe and prevent spread,” the agency said.

At a press conference on Tuesday, WHO said that the “highest priority” was to evacuate the two ill passengers still on board “to make sure that they have the care that they receive”.

Once the ship reaches the Canary Islands, the agency’s Dr Maria Van Kerkhove explained that the Spanish authorities would carry out a full epidemiological investigation and full disinfection of the ship, before assessing the risk passengers remaining on board.

“We have heard from quite a few people, you know, on the boat. We just want you to know we are working with the ship's operators. We are working with the countries where you are from. We hear you. We know that you are scared.” said Dr. Van Kerkhove, WHO Director (a.i) Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, speaking to journalists in Geneva on Tuesday.

As a precaution, passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins while disinfection and other public health measures are carried out. 

Source: 

Link: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/05/1167449

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