Hantavirus cruise ship outbreak
WHO and UKHSA are monitoring a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship, with the risk to the UK public currently assessed as very low
In early May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported an outbreak of a rare, but severe infection called hantavirus on a cruise ship. This virus is a risk worldwide and is usually spread by contact with droppings or urine from rodents like rats or mice. Infection can cause a variety of symptoms from a mild, flu-like illness to severe respiratory disease. WHO are monitoring this outbreak and advise risk to the world’s population is low [1].
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is also monitoring this situation and providing public health advice, working closely with WHO and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Hantavirus is not spread by everyday social contact and UKHSA advise the risk to UK population is very low and no additional precautions are needed for the UK public [2, 3]. You can check UKHSA advice here: What is hantavirus? How is it transmitted and what are the symptoms? Please see our website Outbreak Surveillance for latest information. We will provide a more detailed news item in due course.
You can check UKHSA advice here: What is hantavirus? How is it transmitted and what are the symptoms?
Please see our website Outbreak Surveillance for latest information. We will provide a more detailed news item in due course.
References
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World Health Organization. Disease Outbreak News. Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-country. 4 May 2026. [Accessed 7 May 2026]
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UK Health Security Agency. What is hantavirus? How is it transmitted and what are the symptoms? 5 May 2026. [Accessed 7 May 2026]
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UK Health Security Agency. UKHSA update on the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak. 6 May 2026. [Accessed 7 May 2026]
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