In a recent statement, the World Health Organization said there might have been a rare case where hantavirus spread from one person to another on a Dutch cruise ship, where three people have died.
On 2 May 2026, the WHO was told about several passengers on the ship who had serious breathing problems. The ship has 147 people on board. By 4 May, there were seven cases, two confirmed as hantavirus and five suspected. So far, three people have died, one is very sick, and three have mild symptoms.
Notably, people started getting sick between 6 and 28 April. Symptoms included fever, stomach issues, and quickly worsening lung problems that led to severe breathing trouble and shock.
The WHO added that health teams are working together internationally to manage the outbreak, which includes isolating patients, giving medical care, evacuating some patients, and running lab tests.
Hantavirus usually spreads to humans through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. It is rare but can be very serious and sometimes deadly. In very rare cases, like with the Andes strain, it can spread from person to person. The WHO stated that the overall global risk from this outbreak is low, but it is continuing to monitor the situation.
The ship started its journey from Ushuaia on 1 April 2026 and traveled through remote areas including Antarctica, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island. It's not yet clear if passengers came into contact with wildlife during the trip. As of 4 May, the ship is near Cabo Verde.
Medical teams from Cabo Verde, with support from the WHO, have boarded the ship to help. They are also testing other passengers and crew who have symptoms.
The WHO advises countries involved to continue tracking cases, investigating, treating patients, and maintaining strict hygiene and safety measures on the ship.
The agency has advised passengers and crew to wash their hands often, watch for symptoms for 45 days, and report any illness. The crew should keep the ship clean and well-ventilated. Anyone who feels sick should isolate themselves and inform medical staff. If they have breathing symptoms, they should wear a mask and follow proper hygiene.
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May 01, 2026 15:54 ET Central banks dominated the economics news flow this week with almost all major ones announcing their latest policy decisions and many boosted expectations for a rate hike in June. In other news, several countries released the preliminary data for first quarter economic growth. In the U.S., comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell were also in focus as his term ends this month.