#Andes #hantavirus #outbreak, 19 May 2026 #Update (ECDC, edited): No new cases reported

 

    On 2 May 2026, ECDC was notified of a cluster of severe respiratory illness on MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship with passengers and crew from 23 countries, including nine EU/EEA countries. The virus has been identified as Andes hantavirus.

    As of 19 May, a total of 11 cases has been reported, including 9 confirmed and 2 probable cases. The previously reported inconclusive case has been removed from the case count as the individual did not develop symptoms and andes virus infection was not confirmed by PCR.

    The cruise ship M/V Hondius arrived in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on 18 May with 25 crew members and 2 medical professionals on board. Disembarkation has commenced and individuals are currently isolating. Cleaning and disinfection of the ship are being carried out.

    The identification of additional cases after former passengers and crew have returned to their home country is expected given the long incubation period of Andes hantavirus and the possibility that some infections occurred on board on the ship. 

    The risk to the EU/EEA general population remains very low.

___

    ° Confirmed cases***: 9

    ° Probable cases**: 2

    ° Suspected cases*: 0

    ° Number of deaths: 3

Notes

{*} A suspected case is a person who has been on or visited the same transport (e.g. ship or plane) where a confirmed or probable Andes hantavirus (ANDV) case was present, 

    - OR - 

    - has been in contact with a passenger or crew member of the MV Hondius since 5 April, 

    - AND - 

    - has a fever (currently or recently), plus at least one of the following symptoms: 

        - muscle aches

        - chills

        - headache

        - stomach problems (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain)

        -breathing problems (such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty breathing)

{**} A probable case is a person who has the symptoms listed above, and is known to have been in contact with a confirmed or probable ANDV case

{***} A confirmed case is a person who meets the suspected or probable case definition, and has a laboratory test that confirms ANDV infection (PCR or antibody test)

Non-case: A non-case is a person who was initially considered a suspected or probable case, but tests negative for ANDV using laboratory tests (PCR or antibody test).

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/infectious-disease-topics/hantavirus-infection/surveillance-and-updates/andes-hantavirus-outbreak

____