WHO Confirms Eight Andes Virus Cases Linked to Hondius Cruise Ship Outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed eight laboratory-verified cases of the Andes hantavirus associated with an outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius. As of May 13, 2026, a total of 11 cases have been reported, including three deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 27%. Two additional cases are classified as probable, and one inconclusive case in the United States is undergoing further analysis. The WHO assesses the health risk as moderate for passengers and crew but low for the global population. Investigations are currently underway in collaboration with Argentine and Chilean authorities to identify the infection source. While the first symptomatic passenger stayed in Ushuaia, local authorities deem infection there unlikely due to the absence of the long-tailed rat vector. Researchers from the Malbran Institute plan to analyze local rodents in Tierra del Fuego. The Andes virus, endemic to South America, is notable for its potential human-to-human transmission. This developing situation highlights ongoing efforts to contain the spread and understand the epidemiological dynamics of this rare viral strain.
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