Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Claims 3 Lives; 8 Cases Confirmed
A dangerous hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic has resulted in three deaths and eight confirmed or suspected cases among 147 passengers and crew. The virus has been identified as Andes hantavirus, with limited human-to-human transmission risk assessed as low.
Outbreak Details
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. As of 6 May 2026, a total of eight hantavirus cases (three confirmed) associated with a cruise ship have now been reported, with the type confirmed as Andes hantavirus.
Voyage History
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.
Risk Assessment
WHO currently assesses the risk to the global population from this event as low and will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation.