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

On 2 May 2026, a group of passengers with severe respiratory illness on a cruise ship was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). On 4 May 2026, WHO reported that out of the 88 passengers and 59 crew aboard this cruise ship, a total of seven (two confirmed and five suspected) cases of a rare, but severe infection called hantavirus, including three deaths, had been identified [1].

As of 7 May 2026, WHO reported there are now a total of eight hantavirus cases (five confirmed) linked to this cruise. WHO have also confirmed the type of virus in this outbreak is Andes hantavirus [2].

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses found worldwide that can cause a range of diseases from mild, flu-like illness to severe respiratory illness. They are carried by rodents like mice or rats and are usually spread by contact with rodent droppings and urine [3]. Although unusual, limited human to human spread of a type of hantavirus called Andes virus has also been reported [1].

A number British nationals are onboard this ship [3, 4] which left Ushuaia, Argentina at the beginning of April 2026 and travelled across the South Atlantic. This included stops in mainland Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena and Ascension Island [1]. The ship then arrived in waters off Cape Verde on 3 May 2026 [3].

Symptoms were first reported between 6 and 28 April 2026 and included fever, gastrointestinal (gut) problems, with a rapid development to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock [1].

WHO is managing this outbreak with a coordinated international response, including in-depth investigations, case isolation and care, medical evacuation and laboratory investigations. WHO currently assesses risk to the global population from this event as low and continues to monitor this outbreak. Updates will be available as the situation develops [1].

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is monitoring and providing expertise and public health advice. UKHSA are working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), WHO, the UK Devolved Administrations and international health partners to support the response [3, 4].

Although hantavirus is a serious infection, risk for the UK population is very low [3, 4].

Most hantaviruses do not spread between humans, although person-to-person transmission has happened with the Andes virus strain in rare cases. People usually become infected by breathing in air contaminated with virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The virus can also enter the body through cuts, the eyes or very rarely, a rodent bite. For the strains where there is person-to-person transmission, it is through very close contact.

No additional precautions are necessary for the UK public [3].

More information is available from the UKHSA here: What is hantavirus? How is it transmitted and what are the symptoms?

Further WHO advice is available here: Hantavirus.