Cruise ship - Hantavirus - May 3+ - As of May 12 per WHO: 11 total cases, incl. 2 probable, 3 total deaths

[Commonground]

Two people from New Hampshire were on board cruise ship hit by hantavirus outbreak, officials say
Updated: 3:29 PM EDT May 11, 2026

CONCORD, N.H. —
Two New Hampshire residents were on a cruise ship that was hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, state health officials confirmed Monday.

Officials said the two people have returned to the United States but are not in New Hampshire at this time. State health officials said they were coordinating with federal officials to ensure that monitoring would be in place if the individuals return to the state.

continued: https://www.wmur.com/article/new-ham...51126/71273040

[Commonground]

California: Santa Clara resident monitored after returning home from hantavirus-stricken ship

Updated: 11:52 AM PDT May 11, 2026

A Santa Clara resident is being monitored by local health officials after they returned home after being exposed to Andes hantavirus as a passenger on the MV Hondius cruise ship.

Santa Clara's public health department said on Monday the monitoring is being conducted in coordination with the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
-snip-
CDPH said public health protocols for that person include daily temperature and symptom checks and "direction to modify activities."

Continued: https://www.kcra.com/article/califor...clara/71272702

[Pathfinder]

France -

Translation Google
(screenshot)


KEY MESSAGES
→ An outbreak of severe acute respiratory infections occurred on board the Dutch-flagged
cruise ship MV HONDIUS in the South Atlantic, carrying 147 passengers of 23 nationalities.
Laboratory analyses identified the causative pathogen as an Andes hantavirus (ANDV).
→ The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention
and Control (ECDC) consider the risk associated with this situation to be low.
→ Recommendations regarding the management of French nationals present on the ship—
upon their arrival in France—as well as their close contacts, have been developed in
consultation with national and international experts.
→ Monitoring of these individuals is being implemented by the Regional Health Agencies
(ARS) in coordination with Santé publique France (SpF).

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On Saturday, May 2, a hantavirus outbreak—associated with several severe cases and fatalities—occurred aboard the cruise ship MV HONDIUS in the South Atlantic; the vessel was carrying 147 passengers. Five French nationals were among those on board. These individuals were repatriated to French territory on Sunday, May 10. One of them developed symptoms during the flight and was hospitalized for medical care and isolation. PCR test results have returned positive; this is therefore now considered a confirmed case, currently hospitalized in isolation at a designated REB (Epidemic and Biological Risk) reference healthcare facility. The other four individuals, who remained asymptomatic, were placed in hospital quarantine pending a comprehensive medical evaluation and the collection of necessary clinical samples. Initial PCR test results for these four individuals have returned negative. A re-evaluation, to be conducted once the results of additional clinical samples become available, will determine the duration of their continued hospitalization (which may extend up to 42 days—the maximum incubation period for the disease). Recommendations have been issued to the Regional Health Agencies (ARS) regarding the medical monitoring of these repatriated individuals, as well as for any persons identified as contacts of a confirmed or probable case.

Contact tracing operations have been initiated across several international flight routes, specifically regarding: 1) a flight on April 25 between Saint Helena and Johannesburg, which has been identified as a significant exposure event (eight French nationals—who were not cruise passengers—have notably been identified as contacts of a confirmed case on this flight); and 2) a flight between Johannesburg and Amsterdam (14 individuals have been identified as contacts of a confirmed case on this second flight). High-risk contacts are currently under active medical surveillance, which will continue for a period of forty-two days following their last known exposure. This surveillance includes close monitoring by health authorities and a strict quarantine in a dedicated facility currently being identified.

The situation is being closely monitored by French health authorities.

At this stage, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) consider the risk to human health associated with this situation to be low for the general population and moderate for passengers on the vessel.

To date, a single confirmed case of Andes hantavirus infection has been identified within national territory; this case is linked to the cruise aboard the MV Hondius and therefore constitutes the first imported case in France. There is no known community transmission. Consequently, no specific screening or management measures are recommended for the general population.
Monitoring measures apply exclusively to individuals who were on board the MV Hondius or to close contacts identified by health authorities.

In the event that a patient presents for consultation and reports the following:

- having had close contact with a confirmed or probable case¹,
,
- and presenting—within six weeks of exposure—with a fever, a flu-like syndrome, or gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, it is recommended that you contact the SAMU-Centre 15 and your regional ARS (Regional Health Agency) without delay. While awaiting appropriate medical management, the individual will be asked to isolate immediately and to wear an FFP2 mask (building up a stock of FFP2 masks in your practice should be considered).

As a reminder, hantaviruses are viruses belonging to the *Hantaviridae* family. Zoonotic hantaviruses can be divided into two groups: Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) and Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HPS). The first cases of HPS were described in 1993. Their natural hosts are specific rodent species—which vary depending on the hantavirus in question—that, once infected, remain asymptomatic carriers (the virus is present in their urine and feces) and constitute an excellent reservoir for these viruses.

Human-to-human transmission has been described only in rare cases of infection with the Andes virus, a hantavirus endemic to South America. It can also be transmitted between humans through close and prolonged contact. After an incubation period of approximately 1 to 6 weeks, the disease begins as a flu-like syndrome characterized by fever, body aches, and fatigue. Severe forms of the disease may progress to renal impairment or severe respiratory distress.

Diagnosis relies on serological testing (detection of antibodies) or RT-PCR (direct detection of the virus via RNA). Currently, there is neither a specific treatment nor a vaccine available; prevention therefore relies on breaking the chain of transmission.

For any questions regarding the care of individuals who may be affected by this situation, we invite you to contact the Regional Health Agency (ARS) in your region.

For further information:

The Disease | Santé publique France

Information and Recommendations on Hantaviruses – Institut Pasteur

Hantavirus – Specifics – Fact Sheets and Procedures – COREB National Mission

Authors: Directorate General for Health
Prof. Didier LEPELLETIER
Director General for Health
Original Signed

https://sante.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/dgs-urgent_no2026_04_cluster_de_cas_d_hantavirus.pdf

[Pathfinder]

Spain -



2:18 PM · May 11, 2026

[Pathfinder]

Spain -

Translation Google

Javier Padilla gives details about the positive hantavirus case in Spain: "It's a man, a passenger, and he's asymptomatic and in good condition."

The Secretary of State for Health explained on 'Hora 25' what the isolation ward to which the affected person is transferred is like.

Editorial
Cadena SER11/05/2026 - 22:16 CEST

Madrid A Spaniard in isolation at the Gómez Ulla hospital has tested provisionally positive for hantavirus in a PCR test. Javier Padilla, Secretary of State for Health, spoke on the radio program Hora 25 after the confirmation from the Ministry of Health to explain the current situation and the measures taken.

One of the 14 Spanish passengers evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship has tested positive for COVID-19 despite being asymptomatic and in good health. Health authorities explained that this is a preliminary result obtained from blood and serum samples; a second PCR test will now be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Aimar Bretos: We've just learned that one of the Spaniards has tested positive in the first PCR test. What do you know about his condition? Is he still asymptomatic?

Javier Padilla: The last we heard about his condition, and we also confirmed this with the epidemiologists at the Center for Health Alerts and Emergencies after learning of this provisional positive result, is that he was asymptomatic and in good general health. We knew this was a possibility; otherwise, we wouldn't have carried out such a massive operation. It was a priority to get people off this ship and to the best place they could be; in the case of the Spanish, one of the best hospitals in Europe for these types of situations, and we hope that he will now recover well. We are going to take care of him and treat him in the best way possible.

What are the experts saying about this virus? Is it possible this is a false positive, or are they assuming that the second PCR test is likely to confirm this positive result?

On an individual level, I believe the appropriate course of action is to identify the tests for what they are, and therefore, the most reasonable outcome is that the test result will indeed be positive. In any case, given the speed of the information, we decided to communicate it, and now we will await the result; however, even with the preliminary result, we have already taken steps to ensure greater isolation.

How does his situation change now in Gómez Ulla? He moves to a room that, what exactly is it like?

These are high-isolation rooms in the network for highly infectious diseases, where the isolation measures differ in their structure, the room's architecture, and the type of enclosures, for example. The protective equipment for the staff is also different, as it's much more stringent. Even so, it's important to remember that this person was already isolated previously with all the necessary precautions, as was the case with transportation. We implemented measures more with positive cases in mind than with contacts. So, I think that before considering other things, we need to think about how this person must be feeling after being on a cruise, going through all of this, and now testing positive. It must have a significant psychological and emotional impact, which we are certainly taking into account.

How was this person informed of the positive result?

I couldn't tell you, because it's part of the clinical procedure. But it was necessary to inform him without waiting for confirmation because he needed to be moved to a different ward. We'll also speak with the other Spanish passengers to assure them that they've been properly isolated and, furthermore, because we need to verify that there haven't been any close contacts with this person that would justify changing the quarantine start date.

This person must be terrified after testing positive for a virus that is very complex.

Yes, without a doubt, because she's been living in a kind of dystopia for the past few days; everything that's happened must be a completely dystopian situation, like something out of a movie. Now our goal is to ensure that, amidst this fear, she feels supported by healthcare services that will be by her side at all times.

I understand that you will have psychological help in this process.

Yes. Since this operation began, the Commissioner for Mental Health, Belén González, has been in contact with the mental health team at Gómez Ulla Hospital to develop a support procedure for the pre-arrival phase and also during quarantine. It's a long period, and we have to try to make it as bearable as possible to provide support during this isolation. We have to try to take care of them.

Is this one of the passengers or was it part of the crew? And is it a man or a woman?

I also don't want to give away too much information. It's true that if I said he was part of the crew, he'd be the only person, but he's one of the passengers. He's a man, and if I'm not mistaken, he's one of the passengers. It's best not to give any more information because we're only talking about 14 people, and I think the most respectful thing for me to do is not to reveal any more details.

Do you know what contact he had with the confirmed positive cases on board the ship, and if it was very close?

Not right now. Right now, one of the things we need to do is look back and see if any contacts have been made in recent days; in theory, no new contacts should have been made because the necessary measures have been taken to prevent them.

The quarantines of the other patients admitted may be altered upon learning of this case.

When we proposed the search for the starting date for quarantine, one of the things we stated was that, on the one hand, the strictness of the measures would be reviewed, but also that one of the fundamental elements for that strictness would be the possibility of positive cases appearing in the first few days after the disembarkation process. So yes, it will be evaluated; that doesn't mean it will change at all. May 6th would be the starting date, but it will be discussed to try to set a fixed date based on the data.

Even if the other Spanish passengers are not close contacts, do they become contacts of a positive case?

No, they are not contacts of a positive case, not even close contacts, so to speak. I'll give you the example of Cape Verde: the epidemiologist who boarded took all the necessary precautions; he is not considered a contact because he took precautions. And, in fact, the epidemiologist's precautions were less stringent than those of any cruise ship passenger during the operation. All the safety measures that were taken can be seen in the images of the disembarkation.

What information do you have about the French woman who is in the ICU? We've been shocked by how quickly the virus can worsen a person's condition: she had no symptoms this morning and now she's in the ICU.

Seeing how this patient's condition has progressed, I've remembered that throughout this week, every time I've heard Fernando Simón speak, he's pointed out the possibility of a remarkably rapid course of the illness. The initial symptom was fever, and fever is a very objective symptom. Let's hope this woman recovers well.

What did you feel when the last passenger boarded the last plane today?

Well, a mixture of pride and satisfaction, but also a feeling of needing to double-check that everything is disinfected and clean. It seems like the operation ends at that point, but there's truly a lot more to do. That said, what I've felt throughout the day is a sense that everything was going well because we worked hard and very well because all the crisis management resources were available.
...

https://cadenaser.com/nacional/2026/05/11/javier-padilla-da-detalles-sobre-el-positivo-por-hantavirus-en-espana-es-un-hombre-pasajero-y-esta-asintomatico-con-buen-estado-cadena-ser/

[sharon sanders]

Spanish case confirmed positive.

Spain -



2:18 PM · May 11, 2026

[Commonground]

WHO head tells countries to prepare for more hantavirus cases
Tue 12 May 2026 06.56 EDT

Excerpt:


Tedros, who was speaking alongside Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said more cases were likely to appear because of the degree of interaction between the passengers onboard the ship before the alarm was raised and the first case confirmed in a passenger on 2 May.

“We would expect more cases because, as you may remember, the index case – the first case in the ship was on 6 April … [and] there was a lot of interaction, actually, with the passengers. And as you know, the incubation period is also six to eight weeks.

“So because of the interaction while they were still in the ship – especially before they started taking some infectious prevention measures – because of the interaction, we would expect more cases because of some of what happened during the travel.”

Tedros said individual countries were now responsible for their citizens after the evacuation, adding: “I hope they will take care of the patients and the passengers, helping them and also protecting their citizens as well. That’s what we expect.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/12/who-head-warns-countries-prepare-more-hantavirus-cases

[Commonground]

Pinned

World Health Organization (WHO)
@WHO
·
4h
LIVE from Madrid: Media briefing on #hantavirus response with Prime Minister
@sanchezcastejon
and
@DrTedros

World Health Organization (WHO)
@WHO
LIVE from Madrid: Media briefing on Hantavirus response with Prime Minister @sanchezcastejon and @DrTedros

https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1qJDzPplmmoKV

[sharon sanders]

Pinned

World Health Organization (WHO)
@WHO
·
4h
LIVE from Madrid: Media briefing on #hantavirus response with Prime Minister
@sanchezcastejon
and
@DrTedros

World Health Organization (WHO)
@WHO
LIVE from Madrid: Media briefing on Hantavirus response with Prime Minister @sanchezcastejon and @DrTedros

https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1qJDzPplmmoKV

Dr. Tedros reported 11 total cases from passengers and crew. 9 have tested positive for Andes type hantavirus. Still 3 total deaths.

@15:44

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZWjQHlYdB0&list=PL9S6xGsoqIBXMDB9E9ebaipUf6AQ7HZSm

[sharon sanders]

WHO head tells countries to prepare for more hantavirus cases
Tue 12 May 2026 06.56 EDT

Excerpt:


Tedros, who was speaking alongside Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said more cases were likely to appear because of the degree of interaction between the passengers onboard the ship before the alarm was raised and the first case confirmed in a passenger on 2 May.

“We would expect more cases because, as you may remember, the index case – the first case in the ship was on 6 April … [and] there was a lot of interaction, actually, with the passengers. And as you know, the incubation period is also six to eight weeks.

“So because of the interaction while they were still in the ship – especially before they started taking some infectious prevention measures – because of the interaction, we would expect more cases because of some of what happened during the travel.”

Tedros said individual countries were now responsible for their citizens after the evacuation, adding: “I hope they will take care of the patients and the passengers, helping them and also protecting their citizens as well. That’s what we expect.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/12/who-head-warns-countries-prepare-more-hantavirus-cases

@16:47 - Possible more cases due to long incubation period.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZWjQHlYdB0&list=PL9S6xGsoqIBXMDB9E9ebaipUf6AQ7HZSm

[Pathfinder]

France -

Translation Google

Hantavirus: "Very critical condition," symptoms... what we know about the infected French woman

A French woman, a passenger on the MV Hondius cruise ship , has tested positive for hantavirus. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she is currently in intensive care at Bichat Hospital in Paris. The WHO describes her condition as "very critical."

CT - Today at 11:46 | Updated today at 14:48 -

She is in a "very critical condition," according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus . Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu indicated that she was "in stable condition, in intensive care." A French woman, a passenger on the MV Hondius , has contracted hantavirus. She is one of five French passengers who were repatriated on Sunday and have since been hospitalized at Bichat Hospital in Paris. After showing symptoms on the repatriation flight, she tested positive for the virus on Sunday night. This is currently the only confirmed case of hantavirus in France.

The identity of this French woman has not been revealed, nor have her age or overall health status. On Monday, Health Minister Stéphanie Rist , a guest on France Inter radio, declined to comment on the presence of any potential comorbidities. According to France 2 , she is a woman in her sixties suffering from asthma and other health conditions.

Of the five French passengers from the MV Hondius who have since been repatriated, only two have agreed to reveal their names. They are Julia and Roland Seitre, a couple in their sixties from Indre-et-Loire. In a statement released to the media on May 7, they assured the public that they were "doing well" and urged them not to "panic." "They are both in good health [...] They are calm and not worried," Philippe Capon, the mayor of Marray, the town where the couple owns a home, told Le Petit Courrier - l'Écho de la Vallée du Loir on Monday. This statement suggests that Julia Seitre is not the French woman who tested positive, although this information has not been officially confirmed. Among the four other passengers currently in quarantine, there are reportedly "two men and two women," according to France TV, the oldest of whom is "72 years old."

The first symptoms appeared on the plane.

The French woman who fell ill with hantavirus first presented symptoms on the repatriation flight , according to the Ministry of Health. Doctors from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the Spanish Foreign Health Service, who boarded the ship to assess the passengers' condition before their evacuation on Sunday, "did not think these symptoms were consistent with hantavirus," explained Spanish Health Minister Javier Padilla Bernaldez, quoted by The Guardian . "Why? Because she told them she had had a coughing fit a few days earlier, which had disappeared, and that what she was feeling at that time seemed more like stress, anxiety, or nervousness," Bernaldez elaborated. Her condition then "deteriorated" overnight from Sunday to Monday.

The first French patient with hantavirus is now hospitalized in a specialized infectious disease unit at Bichat Hospital in Paris. She is "in a negative pressure room in intensive care, given the seriousness of her condition," Professor Bruno Megarbane, head of the intensive care unit at Lariboisière Hospital (AP-HP), told France TV. The other passengers are also hospitalized at Bichat Hospital in negative pressure rooms, but are not in contact with her.

https://www.republicain-lorrain.fr/sante/2026/05/12/etat-tres-critique-symptomes-ce-que-l-on-sait-de-la-francaise-contaminee-a-l-hantavirus

[Pathfinder]

11 May 2026

Daily Update: Enhanced Medical Capability and Response Preparedness

The St Helena Government (SHG) is providing the following update as part of its ongoing, proactive response to the Hantavirus situation. We continue to operate with an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of our community.

Enhancement of Medical Personnel

As a purely precautionary measure, SHG has enhanced its medical capabilities on-island with the arrival of five additional personnel on Saturday, 9 May. We are grateful for the direct support provided by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The new arrivals include:

• An Infection Prevention and Control Specialist
• Two Laboratory Scientists
• Two Ministry of Defence personnel to assist with logistics and planning.

The arrival of these experts is intended to provide reassurance to the public; it does not indicate a change in the current risk level, which remains very low.

Medical Supplies and Logistics

Following the arrival of yesterday’s (10 May) Airlink flight, the Health and Social Care Portfolio has now received the scheduled shipment of medical supplies. These supplies further bolster our on-island stocks and ensure our teams are fully prepared for any potential developments. Similar essential equipment has also been successfully delivered to Ascension to ensure regional readiness. Additionally, as part of our active monitoring process, all individuals currently in isolation will be provided with thermometers for precise daily temperature reporting to health officials.

Regional Support: Tristan da Cunha

Regarding the suspected case on Tristan da Cunha, a Royal Air Force (RAF) flight successfully conducted an airdrop of essential equipment and personnel to the island on Saturday afternoon. This rapid response underscores the tangible support being delivered by the UK Government across the Territory. The individual on Tristan remains stable and is showing signs of improvement.

Current Status on St Helena

• Case Status: There are currently no suspected cases on St Helena.
• Contact Status: Contact tracing is a continual process. There 22 people identified as at higher risk and have been advised to enter isolation. None of these 22 individuals are currently showing signs of hantavirus infection.
• Risk Level: The risk to the wider community remains very low.

SOLAS passenger on passing cargo vessel

In accordance with our international maritime obligations, Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) we will be bringing a patient ashore from a passing cargo vessel, on or around 12 May. For the avoidance of doubt, the patient has an identified medical condition. The vessel began its voyage in Brazil and St Helena will be its first stop. There is NO link to hantavirus. The patient has been pre-screened remotely by our medical team and will undergo further assessment before coming ashore, including temperature checks. It is critical that we continue to deliver on our obligations, as if we fail to do so then we cannot reasonably expect reciprocal services in return. This operation poses no risk to the wider public.

Communication and Support

To keep the public informed, radio talks featuring Public Health professionals and senior government officials will continue today, Wednesday, and Friday.

FAQ

The community is encouraged to rely on official SHG channels for information. We have updated the FAQ with a timeline covering the early stages of this outbreak, to aid public understanding of what information was known when.

To view the updated FAQ, please visit: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/docum...A-11.05.26.pdf.

Hantavirus Screening Line

Anyone who had direct contact with the MV Hondius and develops symptoms such as fever or muscle aches should call the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 for guidance before visiting the hospital or a clinic.

#StHelena #PublicHealth #MedicalSupplies #SOLAS #WHO

www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt

https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/daily-update-enhanced-medical-capability-and-response-preparedness/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11 May 2026

Statement from the Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Dear friends,

After an eventful weekend where the UK government once again demonstrated its commitment to the Territory following the hantavirus outbreak, I want to provide an update on the ongoing response. I know many across our communities recognise the effort being committed and I continue to be grateful for your ongoing support. As you have now heard repeatedly, these measures are being applied out of an abundance of caution. This remains the case.

Across all three islands, specific UK Health Security Agency advice and risk assessment is being followed. This ensures support is deployed on the basis of clinical need and expert recommendation.

Tristan da Cunha

On Tristan da Cunha, there is one probable case of hantavirus in an islander who had travelled on the MV Hondius. As previously, we all wish a full and speedy recovery.

Comprehensive contact tracing has been completed and a small number of individuals are currently self-isolating as a precaution. At this stage, no other symptomatic cases have been identified. The wider risk to the community remains low.

To reinforce the island’s resilience, UK military personnel and medical supplies were successfully delivered by air drop on Saturday. This rapid deployment demonstrates the UK Government’s ability to provide practical support to even the most remote communities when needed.

St Helena

There are currently no suspected cases of hantavirus on St Helena.

As a precautionary measure, a UK public health team of three specialists arrived on Saturday alongside 14 boxes of medical kit and supplies. This enhances the island’s already strong local capability and ensures preparedness should the situation change.

Two UK military planners also arrived on Saturday. They will support ongoing response work and develop contingency options for any further assistance that may be required from the UK military or wider Government. This is prudent forward planning.

With our local Public Health team, the UK Health Security Agency continues to assess the risk to all individuals who had contact with suspected or confirmed cases while visiting St Helena. A number of residents remain in self-isolation and others are being supported while monitoring for symptoms.

The risk remains low.

All cases identified to date have been associated with passengers on the MV Hondius, where close contact was more likely. A small number of individuals currently on St Helena who travelled on the vessel have been assessed as higher risk. While the likelihood of illness remains low, UKHSA has advised that they should be the subject of pre-emptive relocation to the UK to complete their self-isolation. This is being arranged and they will be fully supported on arrival.

Ascension Island

There are currently no suspected cases of hantavirus on Ascension.

The resident medical personnel who had close contact with a confirmed case have been assessed as higher risk. In an abundance of caution, they are also being relocated. The first group has now been relocated to countries of residence in southern Africa. The second group will also be the subject of pre-emptive relocation to the UK. This is currently being arranged.

A medical team has arrived on Ascension to replace the resident team. In addition to delivering the healthcare requirements for the island, they will continue monitoring the hantavirus response.

UKHSA advice remains that the overall risk is low and that appropriate measures are in place across the Territory.

Conclusion

I would like to thank local teams across the Territory for their professionalism and calm response, as well as UK partners for the swift provision of specialist personnel, medical supplies and operational support.

Our approach is cautious, proportionate and guided by expert medical advice. We are acting early to reduce risk, support individuals affected and protect our communities.

We continue to work closely with international partners to ensure a coordinated response and it is important that information shared publicly remains accurate and based on verified advice.

We will continue to share information as appropriate, while respecting the privacy and resilience of those directly affected. We should all avoid speculation. Further updates, including on relocation arrangements and response measures, will be provided as plans develop.

#StHelena #Governor’sMessage

www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt

https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/statement-from-the-governor-of-st-helena-ascension-and-tristan-da-cunha/

[Pathfinder]

Netherlands -

[Important information] Radboudumc admits patient with a suspected hantavirus infection 
Update 11 May, 9 p.m.


This page will be updated as soon as new, relevant information becomes available. Radboudumc will not disclose any further information about the patient or staff members for privacy reasons. Other questions from the media may be submitted via Media@Radboudumc.nl.


*** Update 11 May, 9 p.m. ***

Radboudumc admitted a patient infected with hantavirus on Thursday, May 7. The patient comes from the Dutch cruise ship Hondius.

Staff placed in preventive quarantine as a precaution

At the time of admission, blood was drawn from the patient. This blood was processed according to the standard procedure. Due to the nature of the virus, this blood should have been processed according to a stricter procedure.

In addition, it became clear on Saturday (May 9) that the most up-to-date international regulations had not been applied when disposing of the patient’s urine. Due to the nature of the virus, the urine should have been disposed of according to a stricter procedure.

Because of these circumstances, twelve employees will go in preventive quarantine for six weeks as a precaution, despite the fact that the chance of infection is small.

Ensuring patient care runs smoothly

“Despite the fact that the chance of actual infection is very small, these measures have a major impact on all those involved. We regret that this happened in our umc. We will carefully investigate the course of events to learn from this so that it can be prevented in the future,” said Bertine Lahuis, Chair of the Executive Board of Radboudumc.

“Of course, we will ensure that the colleagues involved receive all the support they need. We have great appreciation for their commitment, and that of their colleagues, to ensure that care for the patient runs smoothly. In the meantime, our umc stands ready to admit any new patients should this be necessary.”

*** End of update ***


*** Update 7 May, 3 p.m.***

The RIVM has confirmed that the hospitalized patient has the hantavirus. The patient has been informed of this.

*** End of update ***

...

https://www.radboudumc.nl/en/news-items/2026/radboudumc-admits-patient-with-a-suspected-hantavirus-infection

[alert]

Spanish case confirmed positive.

If the US citizen has tested negative, who is the 11th case? Or does the case count need to be dropped to 10?

I don't see any other suspected cases in the past couple days that could have been confirmed without reporting.

[sharon sanders]

This is why we are not compiling a case list. There is not enough information. The case count does not track. So just going with the totals announced by WHO each day - without any details. Sometimes a country makes an announcement with a few data points, mostly they are not doing it.

[Pathfinder]

Hat tip to Commonground and Sharon

Related to post #160:

WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on hantavirus – 12 May 2026

12 May 2026

Your Excellency Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez,

Dear members of the media,

Buenos dias a todos. By the way, I like “vamos vamos” – when the three ministers were leading this operation, Spain led in style.

Let me begin by thanking Prime Minister Sánchez and his government for Spain’s outstanding leadership and partnership over the past week.

I would especially like to thank Minister Mónica García, my sister, and now I’m introduced to two more ministers with whom we have been working closely, Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and Minister Ángel Víctor Torres.

It seems incredible that it was only 10 days ago that WHO was first informed of a cluster of cases of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius.

Under the International Health Regulations, to which Spain is a party, as His Excellency said, countries are required not to allow people to be stranded at sea when they have the capacity to manage the risk safely and responsibly.

At the time, the ship was near Cabo Verde, and I asked Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva to assist with the evacuation of the three symptomatic passengers on the ship, which he did.


However, WHO’s assessment was that the situation exceeded Cabo Verde’s capacity to handle the full disembarkation and repatriation.


So, last Monday, I wrote to Prime Minister Sánchez asking if Spain would accept the ship and manage the disembarkation of the passengers, with support from the World Health Organization.

By the way, the European Union’s assessment was the same, and the Prime Minister received the same request from the European Union.

He responded immediately in the affirmative, and for the past week, Spain and WHO have worked together closely under Spain’s leadership, along with the government of the Netherlands and the ship’s operator, to coordinate and execute the operation that took place over the past two days.

I thank Prime Minister Sánchez not only for meeting Spain’s legal duty under international law, but also for exercising his moral duty to show solidarity with, and compassion and kindness for the passengers on the ship.

Esepcially during these difficult times, the world needs this kind of kindness and compassion. That’s what exactly Spain did, and we’re so proud to witness that, and I know the whole world is proud to witness that.

I repeat, the world, if there is one thing it needs at this time, it’s kindness and compassion, and support for each other – apart from of course the legal obligations.

We can say confidently that this phase of the operation was successful. As you have heard from Prime Minister Sánchez, all of the passengers have disembarked and left Tenerife, and MV Hondius – the ship – is now on its way to the Netherlands.

Almost 150 people from 23 countries were on this ship for weeks, in what must have been a very frightening situation. Some of the passengers were facing mental breakdown.

They have the right to be treated with dignity and compassion.

There were some people around the world calling for the passengers to be contained on the ship for the full quarantine period. Our view was that would have been inhumane, and unnecessary. Yesterday during our press conference I called it even cruel to suggest that.

We were convinced it was possible to disembark these passengers in a way that was safe for them and the people of Tenerife, and that was respectful of the human rights of the passengers and crew.

Over the past week I have also been in regular contact with the ship’s captain Jan Dobrogowski, and I would like to thank him, the crew, the company that operates the ship, the CEO Mr Remy and all of the passengers for everything they have done.

I fully understand why the people of Tenerife may have been concerned about passengers from the cruise ship disembarking on their shores.

We said the risk was low, both to the people of Tenerife and globally, and all our efforts over the past week have been aimed at keeping it low.

This is a serious situation, which we have taken – and continue to take – very seriously.

A WHO expert boarded the ship in Cabo Verde, and was joined by two doctors from the Netherlands and an expert from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

WHO’s assessment continues to be that the risk to health globally is low.

So far, eleven cases have been reported, including three deaths. All eleven cases are among passengers or crew on the ship.

Nine of the eleven have been confirmed as Andes virus, and the other two are probable.

Those numbers have changed little over the past week, thanks to the efforts of multiple governments and partners. There have been no deaths since the 2nd of May, when WHO was first informed of the cluster of cases.

All suspected and confirmed cases have been isolated and managed under strict medical supervision, minimizing any risk of further transmission.

At the moment, there is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak.

But of course, the situation could change.

And given the long incubation period of the virus, it’s possible we might see more cases in the coming weeks.

Each of the countries to which the passengers have been repatriated is responsible for monitoring the health of those passengers.

WHO is aware of reports of a small number of patients with symptoms consistent with Andes virus, and we are following up on each of those reports with the respective countries.

WHO’s recommendation is that they should be monitored actively at a specified quarantine facility or at home for 42 days from the last exposure, which is the 10^th of May, which takes us to the 21^st of June.

Anyone who becomes symptomatic should be isolated and treated immediately.

Our work is not over. WHO will continue to work closely with experts in all affected countries.

We have also requested countries to report regularly to WHO on the health and well-being of passengers and crew through the International Health Regulations.

Once again, WHO expresses its deep appreciation to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the Government of Spain for its outstanding leadership and partnership over the past week.

As I have said many times: viruses do not respect borders. Our strongest immunity is solidarity – and that is the solidarity that Spain has demonstrated.

It gives me great comfort that there are still people in our world who do things not because they are politically expedient, but simply because they are right – for the people of Spain and the people of the world.

Muchas gracias.

https://www.who.int/news-room/speeches/item/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-hantavirus---12-may-2026