#WHO DG's opening #remarks at Member State #information #session on outbreaks of #Ebola and #hantavirus – 22 May 2026 (edited): 1 new Andes virus case confirmed

 

    Excellencies, Honourable Ministers,

    Heads of delegation, colleagues and friends,

    Good afternoon to all Member States in the room, and good morning, good afternoon and good evening to those joining us online.

    As you know, in the early hours of Sunday morning Geneva time, I declared a public health emergency of international concern over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with so far two imported cases to Uganda.

    I’m conscious that this is the first time a Director-General has declared a PHEIC before convening an Emergency Committee.

    It’s not a decision I took lightly, but it’s one I took in accordance with the International Health Regulations, after speaking with the Ministers of Health of both countries, and in light of the need for an urgent response.

    Preparations began immediately to convene an Emergency Committee, which met on Tuesday and concurred that in its view the situation is a public health emergency of international concern, but not a pandemic emergency.

    Previously, WHO assessed the risk as high at the national and regional levels and low at the global level.

    We are now revising our risk assessment to very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level.

    So far, 82 cases have been confirmed in DRC, with seven confirmed deaths.

    But we know the epidemic in DRC is much larger. There are now almost 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths.

    In Uganda, two cases have been confirmed in people who travelled from DRC, with one death.

    The measures taken in Uganda, including intense contact tracing and cancelling the Martyrs’ Day commemoration, appear to have been effective in preventing the further spread of the virus.

    An American national who was working in DRC has also been confirmed positive, and transferred to Germany for care.

    We are also aware of media reports today about another American national who is a high-risk contact who has been transferred to the Czech Republic.

    I thank the governments of DRC and Uganda for their leadership in coordinating the response, as well as the National Institute for Biomedical Research and the National Institute of Public Health in DRC, and the local health authorities.

    WHO is supporting the response, in close cooperation with partners.

    In addition to national staff in DRC, so far we have deployed 22 international staff to the field, including some of our most experienced people;

    And we have released US$ 3.9 million from the Contingency Fund for Emergencies.

    We’re also in touch with the Under Secretary-General of OCHA, who has allocated US$ 60 million.

    On the ground, we’re supporting national authorities with every pillar of the response, including contact tracing, establishing treatment centres, risk communication and community engagement, and more.

    Together with the Africa CDC, WHO is also establishing a continental Incident Management Support Team.

    In the coming days we will publish a multi-agency Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, aligned with the national plans of both DRC and Uganda, and with our partners.

    There are several dimensions to this outbreak that make it especially challenging.

    First, as you know, unlike many previous Ebola outbreaks, which were caused by Zaire virus, this outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics.

    There have only been two previous outbreaks of Bundibugyo, in Uganda and 2007 and DRC in 2012.

    Part of the reason the outbreak went undetected was because the tests that are used to detect Zaire virus do not detect Bundibugyo.

    Yesterday, WHO convened the leaders of several partner organizations under the interim Medical Countermeasures Network, to review the pipeline of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

    The WHO R&D Blueprint is also coordinating several advisory groups on therapeutics, vaccines, clinical trial design and more.

    Second, the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu in which the outbreak is occurring are highly insecure, with intensified fighting in recent months, causing more than 100 000 people to be newly displaced.

    Across both provinces, around 4 million people need urgent humanitarian assistance, 2 million are displaced, and 10 million face acute hunger.

    The area is also rich in minerals, with a transient population of miners, increasing the risk for the spread of the virus.

    Third, there is significant distrust of outside authorities among the local population.

    Just yesterday, there was a security incident at a hospital in Ituri, where tents and medical supplies were set on fire.

    Building trust in the affected communities is critical to a successful response, and is one of our highest priorities.

    We are also committed to ensuring that essential health services for the affected communities are maintained and strengthened, based on their needs.

===

    Now a brief update on the hantavirus outbreak among passengers and crew on board the cruise ship MV Hondius.

    Today, the Netherlands confirmed an additional case among a crew member who disembarked in Tenerife, was repatriated to the Netherlands and has been isolating since then.

    There are now 12 reported cases and 3 reported deaths.

    No deaths have been reported since the 2nd of May, when the outbreak was first reported to WHO.

    We continue to urge affected countries to monitor all passengers and crew carefully for the remainder of the quarantine period.

    More than 600 contacts continue to be followed in 30 countries, and a small number of high-risk contacts are still being located.

    Once again, I thank the many countries that have cooperated in the response, and the epidemiological investigation: Argentina, Cabo Verde, Chile, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom.

    The sharing of information under the International Health Regulations for this response has been very effective, with almost 800 communications with national focal points and WHO in the first two weeks alone.

    Thank you all once again for your support, and we look forward to your questions and advice.

    I thank you.

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/news-room/speeches/item/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-member-state-information-session-on-outbreaks-of-ebola-and-hantavirus-22-may-2026

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#Netherlands, Arrival and #cleaning of the cruise #ship #Hondius (RIVM, May 18 '26)

 

    On 18 May 20206, at around 10.30 am, the cruise ship Hondius was moored at an enclosed part of the port of Rotterdam. 

    27 people are still on board the ship: crew members and medical personnel. 

    On arrival in Rotterdam, these people will disembark in a phased and controlled manner. 

    They will be accommodated in a special quarantine area in the port of Rotterdam. 

    Some crew members will remain on board to keep the ship running. They will later be escorted from the ship and given assistance. 

Testing and quarantine

    The people on board the ship have no symptoms. 

    They are medically examined on arrival  and blood is taken to test them for the Andes virus. 

    The port of Rotterdam is an official quarantine port and a quarantine area has been established. 

    The foreign persons on board are quarantined there in special temporary units as a precaution. 

    The Dutch crew members, when they disembark, go into home quarantine. 

    The municipal health service GGD has daily contact with the passengers. They will need to monitor their health. If they develop symptoms, they can receive medical care quickly and with the appropriate precautions. 

Cleaning and disinfecting the ship 

    The inspection of the ship and the collection of samples starts today at the port of Rotterdam. 

    Next, the ship is completely cleaned and disinfected. This is done by an experienced cleaning company. 

    RIVM advised the cleaning company about this last week. The cleaning process takes several days. Cleaners must use personal protective equipment to ensure safe and healthy working conditions. In this way, the organisations involved aim to ensure that no one is infected and that the ship can return to service without risk. 

The likelihood of spreading in the Netherlands remains very small 

    All measures taken are aimed at ensuring safe and controlled handling of the situation. 

    The likelihood of the Andes virus spreading in the Netherlands is therefore still very low.  

    RIVM, the  Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region, GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond, the Rotterdam Port Authority, the shipping company  and other partners are working closely together to bring this operation to a successful conclusion.

Source: 

Link: https://www.rivm.nl/en/news/arrival-and-cleaning-of-cruise-ship-hondius

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#Netherlands, #Hantavirus cruise #ship #passengers have arrived by plane: start of #quarantine period (RIVM, May 10 '26)

 

An airplane arrived this evening at Eindhoven Airbase, carrying passengers and part of the crew of the cruise ship where the Andes virus was detected. In the coming weeks, the group will be closely monitored to provide them with appropriate care should they need it.

Supported by the GGD

The people who need to be quarantined will be supported by the municipal health service (GGD). They will receive clear instructions and there will be daily telephone contact. The GGD wants to ensure that any symptoms are identified and appropriate care can be provided promptly.

Screening and care

All repatriated passengers will be thoroughly medically screened. A sample will be taken from everyone at the airport for laboratory testing. Individual test results will not be made public. Although the likelihood of the further spread of the virus is very low, transport is being strictly regulated as a precaution. The Dutch passengers will be transported in vans directly to their home addresses, where they will spend the quarantine period in self-isolation. A quarantine hotel has been arranged for the crew members and foreign passengers who cannot go home directly.

Home quarantine guidelines

The quarantine period is 42 days, which started on 6 May. That is when the patients infected with the Andes virus disembarked. During the quarantine period, passengers must stay at home. They are allowed to take short walks outside, keeping at least 1.5 meters distance from others and using a face mask. The daily contact focusses on the health of those concerned; should anyone get ill, quarantine will prevent the spread of the disease.

Asking people to quarantine at home is a proven method of preventing the spread. Previous experience shows that the collaboration with the GGD and the sense of responsibility of those involved in such outbreaks ensure good compliance with the measures.

Interhuman transmission of the Andes virus is very rare

The Andes virus is a hantavirus. Hantaviruses occur in rodents and can be transmitted to humans via the urine and faeces of these animals. The Andes virus occurs only in rodents in South America and therefore cannot spread via vermin in the Netherlands. In rare cases, the Andes virus can also be transmitted from person to person. This interhuman transmission can only happen if there is prolonged and close contact with an infected person. The risk of the virus spreading is much lower than it is with the coronavirus. Outbreaks of the Andes virus are rare worldwide and usually limited to very small groups of people who have had close contact with an infected patient.

Source: 

Link: https://www.rivm.nl/en/news/hantavirus-cruise-ship-passengers-have-arrived-by-plane-start-of-quarantine-period

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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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#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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#Spain, Ministry of Health is coordinating with #WHO and international authorities response to #hantavirus #outbreak on MV #Hondius ship

 

• From the outset, Spain activated international health coordination mechanisms together with the WHO, the ECDC, the European Commission, the Netherlands, South Africa, Cape Verde and the Government of the Canary Islands.
• The three symptomatic cases have been evacuated from the ship. The vessel, which will dock in the port of Granadilla de Abona (Tenerife), is carrying only passengers and crew without symptoms.
• Spanish citizens with habitual residence in Spain will be transferred to the Gómez Ulla Central Defense Hospital in Madrid, where they will undergo quarantine under health supervision.
• The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the risk to the general population is very low and reiterates that interpersonal transmission of Andean hantavirus is extremely rare.
• Spain is acting in compliance with the International Health Regulations and its humanitarian and health protection obligations, especially given the presence of Spanish citizens on board.

Madrid, May 6, 2026 - The Minister of Health appeared at a press conference to report on the situation arising from the hantavirus outbreak detected on the MV Hondius ship, a Dutch vessel from Argentina with an initial destination of Cape Verde after passing through South Africa, in which approximately 150 people of 23 different nationalities are traveling, including 14 Spanish citizens.

The minister explained that the Ministry of Health became aware of the situation last week through international health alert and coordination channels, immediately activating joint monitoring with the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Commission, the countries involved and the Government of the Canary Islands.

Since the beginning of the crisis, there has been constant coordination between all the administrations and institutions involved. The minister noted that she has been in continuous contact with the president of the Canary Islands government, Fernando Clavijo, while the Secretary of State for Health, the Directorate General of Public Health, Foreign Health, and the technical teams have worked in coordination with their regional and international counterparts to share information, assess risks, and prepare the health response.

Current epidemiological situation

According to updated information, the outbreak currently has eight linked cases, of which three have been confirmed by laboratory testing.

- Three deaths (one confirmed by laboratory test).

- A patient admitted to a hospital in Switzerland with a positive test (he disembarked from the ship in Saint Helena)

- Another patient in ICU in South Africa (the third with a diagnosis)

- Three symptomatic patients have already been evacuated by plane from Cape Verde to Amsterdam (one of them is the doctor)

Formal request for collaboration from the WHO

During the appearance, the minister explained that yesterday afternoon a meeting took place between the technical teams of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, in which it was agreed to send a team of international epidemiologists to review the health situation of the ship in Cape Verde.

Subsequently, the WHO stated that Cape Verde does not currently have the necessary capabilities to independently carry out all the epidemiological, environmental and public health assessments required to manage a health incident of this nature.

In light of this situation, the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, formally requested the collaboration of the Spanish State to facilitate the arrival of the MV Hondius and to carry out the necessary health actions under international coordination.

The minister stressed that Spain's actions respond both to humanitarian principles and to international legal obligations derived from the WHO's International Health Regulations, of which Spain is a State Party.

In this regard, he recalled that Articles 13 and 44 of the Regulation establish the duty of technical and logistical cooperation between countries in the face of international health emergencies, while Articles 27 and 28 expressly regulate the management of infection situations on board international means of transport.

He also pointed out that these treaties are part of the Spanish legal system and are fully binding on public administrations.

Development of the health operation

Mónica García explained that the designed operation clearly distinguishes between symptomatic cases and passengers considered close contacts without symptoms.

Active or symptomatic cases will not travel to the Canary Islands. They will be evacuated directly from Cape Verde via medical aircraft to high-isolation hospital units to receive specialized care.

Meanwhile, those continuing their journey to the Canary Islands are close contacts or passengers without symptoms, whose arrival is expected within an estimated period of between 72 and 96 hours.

The disembarkation will be carried out through controlled health circuits, with direct transfer from the port to the airport and subsequent return to their countries of origin, avoiding at all times transit through spaces open to the general population.

Regarding the Spanish citizens on board, the Ministry is currently verifying whether they maintain their habitual residence in Spain. In those cases where this is the case, their evacuation will be carried out through an operation coordinated by the Ministry of Defense, and they will be transferred to the Gómez Ulla Central Defense Hospital in Madrid, where they will undergo the corresponding quarantine under medical supervision.

In case of the appearance of symptoms, the National Health System will activate the state UATAN network to guarantee immediate and safe care.

The minister wanted to convey a message of reassurance to the public, insisting that the risk to the general population remains very low.

Although hantavirus can have a high mortality rate in certain severe clinical forms, especially respiratory ones, the Ministry has explained that the specific context of the outbreak —a ship with close and prolonged cohabitation— much favors the possible interpersonal transmission.

International health authorities have also identified the variant involved as Andean hantavirus, one of the few variants in which human-to-human transmission has been documented. However, both the WHO and the ECDC agree that this type of transmission remains extremely rare and requires very close and prolonged contact, generally with symptomatic individuals.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sanidad.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa.do?id=6901

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#Human spread of #hantavirus not ruled out on cruise #ship (UN News Centre, May 5 '26)

 

By Dominika Tomaszewska-Mortimer in Geneva

5 May 2026 

Hantavirus victims on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean may have been infected prior to joining the cruise and human-to-human transmission on board cannot be ruled out – although it is rare - the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.

The deadly disease outbreak has triggered an international public health response. 

Seven individuals of the 147 passengers and crew have been reported ill and three have died in what remains a fluid situation, WHO’s chief of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention Dr Maria Van Kerkhove told reporters in Geneva.

“One patient is in intensive care in South Africa, although we understand that this patient is improving,” she said, while two patients still on board the ship, which is currently off the coast of Cabo Verde, are being prepared for medical evacuation to the Netherlands for treatment. 

Dr Van Kerkhove stressed that the situation is being closely monitored. As a precaution, passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins while disinfection and other public health measures are carried out. Medical teams from Cabo Verde are providing support on board the ship.

“The plan is, and our highest priority is, to medically evacuate these two individuals” to make sure that they receive the required care, she insisted. 

There are no other symptomatic patients on board. A third suspected case who reported a mild fever at one point “is currently doing well”, the WHO official said.

Spain cooperation

The ship is set to continue on to the Canary Islands. Ahead of arrival, Dr Van Kerkhove said that WHO is working with the Spanish authorities who “have said that they will welcome the ship to do a full epidemiologic investigation, full disinfection of the ship, and of course to assess the risk of the passengers”. 

Hantaviruses are carried by rodents and can cause severe disease in humans. Thousands of infections are estimated to occur each year. People usually get infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine, their droppings, or their saliva. 

Discussing the suspected origins of the outbreak, Dr Van Kerkhove said that the initial patients, a husband and wife, boarded the boat in Argentina. 

“With the timing of the incubation period of hantavirus, which can be anywhere from one to six weeks, our assumption is that they were infected off the ship,” she said. “This was an expedition boat… many of the people on board were doing bird watching” and “seeing a lot of different wildlife.”

The cruise stopped at several islands off the coast of Africa, Dr Van Kerkhove continued, some of which “have a lot of rodents”. 

“There could be some source of infection on the islands as well for some of the other suspect cases,” she said. “However, we do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that's happening among the really close contacts” such as the husband and wife and others who have shared cabins.

Past outbreak lessons

Transmission of infection between people is uncommon, but limited spread has been reported among close contacts in previous outbreaks of the Andes virus, which is part of the hantavirus group.

There are no specific treatments for hantavirus other than supportive care. 

“Typically, people will develop respiratory symptoms, so respiratory support is really important,” Dr Van Kerkhove said, stressing that some people require mechanical ventilation. Intensive care may be required, especially if the condition of patients deteriorates.

Directing her message at the people on the boat, where more than 20 nationalities are represented, the WHO official said: “We just want you to know we are working with the ship's operators” and with the travellers’ countries of origin.

“We hear you. We know that you are scared,” she said. “We're trying to make sure that the ship has as much information as they can…that you're cared for and of course, that you get home safely.”

Link: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/05/1167440

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#Hantavirus #cluster linked to cruise #ship #travel, Multi-country (WHO D.O.N., May 5 '26)

 

Situation at a glance

-- On 2 May 2026, a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness aboard a cruise ship was reported to the World Health Organization. 

-- The ship is carrying 147 passengers and crew. 

-- As of 4 May 2026, seven cases (two laboratory confirmed cases of hantavirus and five suspected cases) have been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient and three individuals reporting mild symptoms. 

-- Illness onset occurred between 6 and 28 April 2026 and was characterized by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock. 

-- Further investigations are ongoing. 

-- The outbreak is being managed through coordinated international response, and includes: 

- in-depth investigations, 

- case isolation and care, 

- medical evacuation and 

- laboratory investigations. 

-- Human hantavirus infection is primarily acquired through contact with the urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rodents. 

-- It is a rare but severe disease that can be deadly. 

-- Although uncommon, limited human to human transmission has been reported in previous outbreaks of Andes virus (a specific species of hantavirus). 

-- WHO currently assesses the risk to the global population from this event as low and will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and update the risk assessment.

Description of the situation

-- On 2 May 2026, WHO received notification from the National International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Focal Point of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (hereafter referred to as the United Kingdom) regarding a cluster of severe acute respiratory illness, including two deaths and one critically ill passenger, aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship. 

-- On 2 May 2026, laboratory testing conducted in South Africa confirmed hantavirus infection in one patient who is critically ill and in intensive care. 

-- On 3 May, one additional death was reported. 

-- A further three suspected cases remain on board. 

-- As of 4 May, a total of seven (two confirmed and five suspected) cases, including three deaths, have been reported.

-- The vessel departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on 1 April 2026 and followed an itinerary across the South Atlantic, with multiple stops in remote and ecologically diverse regions, including mainland Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island. 

-- The extent of passenger contact with local wildlife during the voyage, or prior to boarding in Ushuaia remains undetermined. 

-- The vessel carries a total of 147 individuals, including 88 passengers and 59 crew members. 

-- Onboard passengers and crew represent 23 nationalities.  

-- As of 4 May 2026, the vessel is moored off the coast of Cabo Verde.

Summary of cases:

-- Case 1: 

- An adult male developed symptoms of fever, headache, and mild diarrhoea on 6 April 2026 while on board the ship. 

- By 11 April, the case developed respiratory distress and died on board on the same day. 

- No microbiological tests were performed. 

- The body of the passenger was removed from the vessel to Saint Helena (a British Overseas Territory) on 24 April.

-- Case 2: 

- An adult female, who was a close contact of case 1, went ashore at Saint Helena on 24 April 2026 with gastrointestinal symptoms. 

- She subsequently deteriorated during a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, on 25 April. 

- She later died upon arrival at the emergency department on 26 April. 

- On 4 May, the case was subsequently confirmed by PCR with hantavirus infection. 

- Contact tracing for passengers on the flight has been initiated.

- Cases 1 and 2, had travelled in South America, including Argentina, before they boarded the cruise ship on 1 April 2026.

-- Case 3: 

- An adult male presented to the ship's doctor on 24 April 2026 with febrile illness, shortness of breath and signs of pneumonia. 

- On 26 April, his condition worsened. 

- He was medically evacuated from Ascension to South Africa on 27 April, where he is currently hospitalised in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 

- Laboratory testing on an extensive respiratory pathogen panel was negative; however, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing confirmed hantavirus infection on 2 May 2026. 

- Serology, sequencing and metagenomics are ongoing.

-- Case 4: 

- An adult female, with presentation of pneumonia, died on 2 May 2026. 

- The onset of symptoms was on 28 April, with fever and a general feeling of being unwell.

-- Three suspected cases have reported high fever and/or gastrointestinal symptoms and remain on board. 

- Medical teams in Cabo Verde are evaluating the patients and collecting additional specimens for testing.

Public health response

-- Authorities from States Parties involved in the management of the event to date – Cabo Verde, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and the United Kingdom - have initiated coordinated response measures including:

- Ongoing engagement between WHO and the National IHR Focal Points of Cabo Verde, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom, to ensure timely information sharing and coordination of response actions.

- WHO shared information about the events with National IHR Focal Points globally.

- Passengers onboard have been advised to practice maximal physical distancing and remain in their cabins where possible.

- Epidemiological investigations are underway to determine the source of exposure.

- The National IHR Focal Point of Argentina shared the passenger and crew lists with the National IHR Focal Points of the respective countries, according to each person’s nationality.

- In line with the Working Arrangement between the WHO Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Secretariat and the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), the EMT Secretariat has launched formal discussions to support the clinical management and medical evacuation of symptomatic passengers.

- Logistic support has been provided, including sample collection items.

- Laboratory testing and confirmation of hantavirus infection have been conducted at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of South Africa. Serology, sequencing and metagenomics are ongoing.

- Additional laboratory samples from symptomatic passengers are being sent, with WHO support, to the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Senegal, for testing.

- WHO has activated three-level coordination and is supporting national authorities in implementing risk-based, evidence-informed public health measures in accordance with the provisions of the IHR and related WHO technical guidance documents.

WHO risk assessment

-- Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), also known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), is a zoonotic, viral respiratory disease caused by hantaviruses of the genus Orthohantavirus, family Hantaviridae, order Bunyavirales. 

-- More than 20 viral species have been identified within this genus. 

-- In the Americas, Sin Nombre virus is the predominant cause of HPS in North America, while Orthohantavirus andesense is responsible for most cases in South America.

-- Human Hantavirus infection is primarily acquired through contact with the urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rodents or by touching contaminated surfaces. 

-- Exposure typically occurs during activities such as cleaning buildings with rodent infestations, though it may also occur during routine activities in heavily infested areas. 

-- Human cases are most commonly reported in rural settings, such as forests, fields, and farms, where rodents are present, and opportunities for exposure are greater. 

-- HPS is characterized by headache, dizziness, chills, fever, myalgia, and gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, followed by sudden onset of respiratory distress and hypotension. 

-- Symptoms of HPS typically occur from 2-4 weeks after initial exposure to the virus. However, symptoms may appear as early as one week and as late as eight weeks following exposure.

-- Hantavirus infections are relatively uncommon globally.  

-- In 2025 (as of epidemiological week 47), in the Region of the Americas, eight countries reported 229 cases and 59 deaths with a CFR of 25.7%. [1] 

-- In the European Region, 1885 hantavirus infection reported in 2023 (0.4 per 100,000), marking the lowest rate observed between 2019 and 2023.[2] 

-- In East Asia, particularly China and the Republic of Korea, Hantavirus haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) continues to account for many thousands of cases annually, although incidence has declined in recent decades.

-- Hantavirus infections are associated with a case fatality rate of <1–15% in Asia and Europe and up to 50% in the Americas. 

-- While there are no specific treatment nor vaccines for hantavirus infections, early supportive care and immediate referral to a facility with a complete ICU can improve survival.

-- Environmental and ecological factors affecting rodent populations can influence disease trends seasonally. Since hantavirus reservoirs are sylvatic rodents, transmission can occur when people come into contact with rodent habitats.

-- Although uncommon, limited human‑to‑human transmission of HPS due to Andes virus has been reported in community settings involving close and prolonged contact. 

-- Secondary infections among healthcare workers have been previously documented in healthcare facilities, though remain rare.

-- WHO currently assesses the risk to the global population from this event as low and will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and update the risk assessment as more information becomes available.

WHO advice

-- WHO advises that States Parties involved in this event continue efforts in detection, investigation, reporting, case management, infection control, and public health management on board, including ship sanitation measures, in close coordination with the conveyance operator, to prevent and control infections caused by hantaviruses.

-- In the context of the current outbreak, passengers and crew members should practice frequent hand hygiene, remain vigilant of Hantavirus symptoms and undertake active symptom monitoring for 45 days.  

-- Crew must ensure adequate environmental cleaning (avoiding dry sweeping) and ventilation in the ship. 

-- Passengers and crew members experiencing symptoms should inform medical professionals on board and self-isolate. 

-- If respiratory symptoms are present to practice respiratory etiquette and wear a medical mask.

-- Vigilance among travellers, crew, including those involved in implementing ship sanitation measures, or other personnel returning from areas where hantavirus is known to be present, as well as on conveyances engaged in eco-tourism on a journey from and through those areas, is essential.

-- Early recognition of suspected cases, prompt isolation, and consistent adherence to recommended infection prevention and control measures remain essential to protect healthcare personnel.

-- Diagnosis of HPS is with serologic testing for IgM or rising titres of IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) or with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) to detect viral RNA.

-- In healthcare environments, standard precautions* should be applied for all patients, including hand hygiene and safe handling of blood and body fluids. 

-- In addition to standard precautions, transmission-based precautions should be implemented for management of suspect or confirmed cases. 

-- Standard precautions combined with droplet precautions during close contact are considered sufficient. 

-- Routine airborne precautions are not typically required, except during aerosol‑generating procedures. [3]

-- When HPS is suspected, patients should be promptly transferred to an emergency department or intensive care unit for close monitoring and supportive management.

-- Initial management should include supportive care with antipyretics and analgesics as needed. 

-- For confirmed hantavirus, antibiotics are not routinely indicated. 

-- However, before a definitive diagnosis is established (and bacterial infection is a diagnostic possibility), or if superadded bacterial infection is suspected, empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics may be appropriate. 

-- Clinical management relies primarily on careful fluid administration, hemodynamic monitoring, and respiratory support. 

-- Given the rapid progression of HCPS, close monitoring and early transfer to ICU are critical for more severe cases. 

-- Mechanical ventilation, meticulous volume control, and vasopressors may be required. 

-- For severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency, extracorporeal mechanical oxygenation may be lifesaving. In severe cases of renal dysfunction, dialysis may be required.

-- Although ribavirin has shown efficacy against hantavirus haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, it has not demonstrated effectiveness for HCPS and is not licensed for either treatment or prophylaxis of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. 

-- At present, there is no specific antiviral treatment approved for HCPS.

-- Public health awareness efforts should focus on improving early detection, ensuring timely treatment, and reducing exposure risks. 

-- Preventive measures should address occupational and ecotourism-related exposures, emphasize standard and transmission-based infection prevention and control practices, and include rodent control strategies. 

-- Most routine tourism activities carry little or no risk of exposure to rodents or their excreta.

-- The potential for human-to-human transmission should be considered in areas where Andes and potentially other South American hantaviruses are endemic.

-- Individuals engaging in outdoor activities where endemic transmission is known, such as visiting rural areas, camping or hiking, should take precautions to minimise potential exposure to infectious materials.

-- Risk communication and community engagement interventions should prioritize transparent, timely, and culturally appropriate communication to raise awareness of hantavirus transmission risks—particularly exposure to rodent excreta in endemic areas—and promote practical preventive behaviours such as safe food storage, avoiding contact with rodents, wet-cleaning methods (no dry sweeping), and proper ventilation. 

-- Community engagement strategies should involve local leaders and workers in high-risk occupations to co-develop and disseminate tailored messages, address misinformation, and reinforce early care seeking.

-- Surveillance for HPS should be integrated into a comprehensive national surveillance system and include clinical, laboratory, and environmental components. The implementation of integrated environmental management strategies aimed at reducing rodent populations is also recommended.

-- WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions based on the current information available on this event. 

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{*} Standard precautions refer to a set of practices that are applied to the care of patients, regardless of the state of infection (suspicion or confirmation), in any place where health services are provided. These practices aim to protect both healthcare professionals and patients and include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, safe handling of sharps materials, safe injection practices, use of sterile instruments and equipment and cleaning of hospital environments and the environment. Adapted from “Standard precautions for the prevention and control of infections: aide-memoire”- WHO, 2022.  Available at https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-UHL-IHS-IPC-2022.1  

Further information

-- World Health Organization. Hantavirus fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hantavirus

-- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351838

-- Epidemiological Alert Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). https://www.paho.org/en/documents/epidemiological-alert-hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome-americas-region-19-december-2025  

-- Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Hantavirus in the Americas: Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control. Available at: https://iris.paho.org/handle/10665.2/40176

-- Hantavirus Prevention, CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/prevention/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hps/prevention.html

-- Martínez Valeria, Paola N, et al.. (2020). “Super-Spreaders” and Person-to-Person Transmission of Andes Virus in Argentina. New England Journal of Medicine. 383. 2230-2241. 10.1056/NEJMoa2009040.

-- World Health Organization. Hantavirus outbreak toolbox https://www.who.int/emergencies/outbreak-toolkit/disease-outbreak-toolboxes/hantavirus-outbreak-toolbox

-- US CDC. How to Clean Up After Rodents: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/rodent-control/clean-up.html

-- Hantavirus, Washington State Department of Heath, https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-08/420-056-Guideline-Hantavirus.pdf

-- Hantavirus Infection, MDS Manual, professional version: https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/arboviruses-arenaviridae-and-filoviridae/hantavirus-infection

-- Handbook for management of public health events on board ships https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549462

-- World Health Organization. Guide to Ship Sanitation, 3rd edition https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241546690

-- World Health Organization. Vector surveillance and control at ports, airports and ground crossings https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549592

-- Standard precautions for the prevention and control of infections: aide-memoire

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[1] Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). Epidemiological Alert Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). https://www.paho.org/en/documents/epidemiological-alert-hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome-americas-region-19-december-2025 

[2] Hantavirus infection - Annual Epidemiological Report for 2023. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/hantavirus-infection-annual-epidemiological-report-2023

[3] Standard precautions for the prevention and control of infections: aide-memoire. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-UHL-IHS-IPC-2022.1 

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Citable reference: World Health Organization (4 May 2026). Disease Outbreak News. Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel- Multi-country. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON599

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON599

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Press #update: #timeline of the #medical situation on board the m/v #Hondius by #Oceanwide Expeditions (04.05.2026)

 

4 May 2026, 13:30 PM CET

Oceanwide Expeditions is still dealing with a serious medical situation on board the m/v Hondius, which is currently off the coast of Cape Verde.

A brief timeline of the medical situation on board the m/v Hondius is as follows:

-- On 11 April, a passenger died on board. 

- The cause of death could not be determined on board. 

-- On 24 April, this passenger was disembarked on St Helena, with his wife accompanying the repatriation.

-- On 27 April, Oceanwide Expeditions was informed that the wife had become unwell during the return journey and had later died. 

- Both passengers were Dutch nationals. 

- At this time, it has not been confirmed that these two deaths are connected to the current medical situation on board.

-- On 27 April, another passenger became seriously ill and was medically evacuated to South Africa. 

- This person is currently being treated in the intensive care unit in Johannesburg and is in a critical but stable condition. 

- This passenger is of British nationality. 

- A variant of hantavirus has been identified in this patient.

-- On 2 May, another passenger on board died. 

- The cause has not yet been established. 

- This passenger was of German nationality.

- In addition, there are currently two crew members on board with acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe. 

- Both require urgent medical care. 

- These crew members are of British and Dutch nationality. 

-- At this time, no other persons with symptoms have been identified.

- Hantavirus has not currently been confirmed in the two persons still on board who require medical care. 

- Nor has it been established that the virus is connected to the three deaths associated with this voyage. 

- The exact cause and any possible connection are being investigated. 

- Therefore, the only confirmed case of hantavirus is the passenger who was medically evacuated and is now being treated in Johannesburg.

- The vessel remains off the coast of Cape Verde. 

- There are 149 people on board, representing 23 different nationalities. 

- The disembarkation of passengers, medical evacuation and medical screening require permission from, and coordination with, the local health authorities. 

- Local health authorities have visited the vessel and assessed the situation. 

- The medical transfer of the two ill persons on board has not yet taken place.

- Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

- At the same time, preparations are being made for possible medical repatriation and next steps. 

- The option of sailing on to Las Palmas or Tenerife are being considered to be the gateway for disembarkation, where further medical screening and handling could take place.

- Strict precautionary measures are in process on board, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring. 

- All passengers have been informed and are being supported.

- Oceanwide Expeditions is in close contact with those directly involved and their families, and is providing support where possible.

- We understand the considerable interest and concern and will share new information as soon as it has been verified. 

The nationalities of passengers and crew are as follows:   

[Nationality - Passengers - Crew]

1) Spain - 13 - 1

2) France - 5 - ...

3) Germany - 7 (*) - 1

4) Great Britain - 19 - 4

5) Canada - 4 - ...

6) Australia - 4 - ...

7) USA - 17 - ...

8) Greece - 1 - ...

9) Japan - 1 - ...

10) Netherlands - 8 - 5

11) Turkey - 3 - ...

12) Belgium - 2 - ... 

13) Ireland - 2 - ...

14) New Zealand - 1 - ...

15) Argentina - 1 - ...

16) Poland - ... - 1

17) Russia - ... - 1

18) Philippines - ... - 38

19 Ukraine - ... - 5

20) India - ... - 2

21) Portugal - ... - 1

22) Montenegro - ... - 1

23) Guatemala - ... - 1

-- Total - 149 - 88 - 61

(*) including 1 deceased  

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(...)

Source: 

Link: https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/press-update-timeline-of-the-medical-situation-on-board-the-m-v-hondius

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Zoonotic #Influenza #Preparedness: Dutch Medical #Labs Efficiently Detect Animal Influenza A Viruses - External #Quality #Assessment, 2023

 

Highlights

• Concern over H5N1 bird flu testing and detection in the Netherlands is increasing.

• 50 human laboratories in the Netherlands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao were assessed.

• The laboratories detected animal influenza viruses with high performance.

• Few laboratories identified the animal subtype of detected influenza A viruses.

• National reference laboratory capacity to identify the animal subtype is critical.

Abstract

Background

Since 2022, highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A virus clade 2.3.4.4b has caused global outbreaks among wild birds and poultry, with increasing mammalian and sporadic human infections. This elevates concerns about zoonotic transmission and pandemic risk, highlighting the need for accurate detection and identification of animal influenza A viruses by human clinical diagnostic laboratories (hCDL).

Methods

To evaluate routine diagnostic performance, an External Quality Assessment (EQA) panel containing inactivated influenza A viruses of avian (three subtype H5, one H7), swine (two H1, one H3), and human (one H1pdm09, one H3) origin was distributed to 50 hCDL in the Netherlands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Laboratories conducted their routine molecular influenza virus detection and, if available, subtyping workflows.

Results

A total of 118 detection workflows were reported. Of these, 109 (91%) successfully detected influenza A virus in all positive specimens. At least one workflow in 49/50 (98%) laboratories reliably detected all animal influenza viruses as type A influenza virus. Most false negatives occurred with swine H1N1v. Only 24 workflows from 20 laboratories attempted subtyping for one or multiple panel specimens (total 109 subtype-specific results reported): for human viruses, 37/39 results were correct; for avian viruses, 13/14 were correct (including 12/12 for H5); for swine viruses, only 2/56 were correct (both swine H3N2 using broad-reactive H3 assays).

Conclusions

hCDL in the Netherlands demonstrate high performance for detecting animal influenza A viruses. However, subtyping capacity is limited, necessitating referral of specimens of suspected zoonotic influenza cases to the National Influenza Centre for further characterization.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1386653226000168?dgcid=rss_sd_all

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#Netherlands: #Antibodies to {#H5N1} #birdflu virus found in dairy #cow (Min. Agriculture, Jan. 24 '26)

{Automatic translation from Dutch to English}

Date: January 23, 2026 

Regarding: Dairy cow with antibodies against bird flu 

Dear Chair, Through this letter, I am informing the House, also on behalf of the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, about the situation surrounding a dairy cow with antibodies against bird flu (highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI). 

No evidence has been found of active virus circulation of bird flu among the dairy cows on this farm in the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân (province of Friesland). 

There are also no signs of bird flu spreading at other dairy farms. 

I am currently conducting follow-up investigations and have asked all involved parties to be alert to any potential signs. 

Situation: 

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) received a report on December 24, 2025, about two sick cats. 

One of these cats tested positive for bird flu. 

The cat in question died on December 26, 2025. 

The second cat tested negative and has fully recovered. 

I informed your House of this in my letter of January 13th, including Parliamentary Document 28807, no. 322. 

Following this report, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) conducted source and contact tracing. 

This revealed a relevant contact with a dairy farm; the cat in question originated from this dairy farm. 

On January 15th, the dairy cattle on this farm were screened. 

Milk samples were taken from several of the cows present, and a sample was also taken from the bulk milk. 

At the time of sampling, no animals showing symptoms of the disease were present on the farm. 

The samples were sent to Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) for analysis. 

The results of the PCR tests, which can detect the virus in milk, were negative for both the individual samples and the bulk milk sample. 

This confirmed that no virus was present among the dairy cattle on the farm. 

In addition, the samples were tested for the presence of antibodies. 

On January 20, the WBVR reported that one cow had antibodies to H5N1 avian influenza. 

The presence of antibodies indicates a previous infection with the virus. 

The cow in question had suffered from mastitis and respiratory problems in December. 

These are Symptoms that can be observed in a dairy cow infected with avian influenza. 

At the time of sampling, this cow had recovered. 

Following this positive antibody test, the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) revisited the farm on January 22nd. 

During this visit, blood and milk samples were taken from all cattle present. 

A bulk milk sample was also taken again. 

Today, January 23rd, 2026, the PCR results from these tests were received. 

All but five samples were negative. 

The bulk milk was also PCR negative. 

The five remaining individual milk samples resulted in a test error in the laboratory and will be retested this weekend. 

Based on the PCR results known so far, from last week and today, there is no indication of active circulation of avian influenza virus among the dairy cattle on the farm. 

The five final PCR results will be available this weekend. 

If a positive result is unexpectedly obtained, I will inform Parliament immediately. 

In addition, the results of the antibody testing will follow later next week. 

Antibody testing is important to determine whether more animals have been exposed to the virus, which could indicate past virus circulation. 

Other mammals on the farm (such as dogs, cats, and horses) are currently showing no symptoms. 

Avian influenza in dairy cattle: 

As far as we know, antibodies against avian influenza have not previously been demonstrated in dairy cattle in Europe. 

However, since March 2024, there have been numerous avian influenza outbreaks among dairy cattle in the United States (Parliamentary Document 28807, No. 298). 

The virus causing these outbreaks in dairy cattle in America has not been found in Europe to our knowledge. 

The symptoms exhibited by cows with avian influenza are primarily reduced milk production, fever, loss of appetite, and thick, discolored milk. 

The avian influenza virus is primarily excreted in cows' milk. 

Most dairy cows recover from infection and eventually return to their previous milk production levels. 

It is also possible for a cow infected with avian influenza to show no symptoms; even in that case, the cow often sheds the virus. 

An infected cow sheds infectious virus for about two weeks after infection. 

These symptoms are based on experiences in the US.1 

In response to the large number of avian influenza outbreaks among dairy cows in the US, a policy manual for HPAI in dairy cows2 was developed in early 2025. 

Milk Safety 

Previously, the NVWA's Bureau for Risk Assessment and Research (BuRO) conducted research at the request of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) into the management of food and feed safety risks of HPAI virus in milk3. 

In this research It is confirmed that pasteurizing milk completely inactivates the avian influenza virus present. 

The milk is then safe for human consumption and poses no risk to public health or the spread of the virus. 

It is important that raw milk and raw-milk dairy products from cows infected with avian influenza are not consumed. 

Monitoring dairy cattle: 

Individual infection of a dairy cow with the avian influenza virus can occur. 

It is important to know whether this leads to spread within and between farms. 

There are currently no indications that this is the case. 

The basic animal health monitoring program conducts a so-called syndrome surveillance, which involves weekly national and regional monitoring of bulk milk deliveries to determine whether there are any animal health problems in dairy cattle. 

This is a sensitive tool that is particularly valuable when new conditions arise that do not produce specific or noticeable symptoms. 

In addition, the basic monitoring program utilizes pathological examination, and unexplained problems can be reported to the Veekijker (cattle watcher). 

This also makes it possible to identify individual suspected cases of avian influenza infection. 

To date, the basic monitoring has not found any indications that suggest avian influenza infection in dairy cows. 

Naturally, I am closely monitoring the situation and have asked all stakeholders to do so. 

In the short term, I will ask the experts to provide a risk assessment. 

I will also ask experts to analyze possible infection routes and to assess the effectiveness of the monitoring options for HPAI in cattle. 

Furthermore, I have informed stakeholders about this new situation and asked them to report any notable findings. 

Public Health Risk: 

Based on the currently available data, the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) estimates the risk to public health to be very low. 

Because the other cows on the farm also tested negative in the PCR test, it seems unlikely that the virus could have spread from the cow to the other cows. 

Due to the cat that previously tested positive near the farm, individuals working or living on the farm were already known to the Municipal Health Service (GGD). 

These individuals have not shown any symptoms consistent with (avian) influenza since then. 

To be on the safe side, all persons exposed to the cow will still be offered testing for an active or past infection. 

Milk on this farm is used only for pasteurized products, meaning any virus present is inactivated and poses no risk of external contamination. 

Furthermore, the milk from the previously infected cow was not processed for human consumption due to the existing mastitis pattern. 

Therefore, the chance that virus from the infected cow has ended up in the milk for human consumption is very small. 

Given the new situation, the RIVM will soon organize a Zoonosis Response Team (RT-Z) in line with the existing zoonosis structure, in which Experts from human and veterinary health will conduct a risk assessment based on the new situation and share it online. 

Finally, the avian influenza situation in our country remains worrying. 

Unfortunately, outbreaks have occurred in recent weeks on both commercial poultry farms and hobby farms. 

Wild birds are also regularly found with avian influenza. 

The fact that a dairy cow has been infected with the avian influenza virus is therefore consistent with these times of high infection pressure. 

Nevertheless, this is a worrying development. I will therefore continue to closely monitor this situation and will conduct further research. I will inform you, together with the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, of relevant developments regarding avian influenza and this case. 

Sincerely, Femke Marije Wiersma, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature

Source: 

Links: Press Release, https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/vogelgriep/nieuws/2026/01/23/antistoffen-vogelgriepvirus-gevonden-bij-melkkoe ; Parliamentary Document: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/vogelgriep/documenten/kamerstukken/2026/01/23/melkkoe-met-antistoffen-tegen-vogelgriep

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