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

[Commonground]

Translated
05/05/2026 - 11:59 Actualizado: 05/05/2026 - 13:40

WHO Asserts It Is Coordinating Cruise Ship's Arrival in the Canary Islands, but Health Ministry Says Decision Is Not Final

The organization confirmed this Tuesday a second case of hantavirus on the cruise ship and announced that it will evacuate two crew members exhibiting symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated this Tuesday that it is in contact with Spain to ensure that the cruise ship—on which a hantavirus outbreak has been detected—is directed to the Canary Islands, where those affected could receive medical care. However, the Ministry of Health emphasizes that, for the time being, no definitive decision has been made regarding this matter. "We are working with the Spanish authorities, who will receive the ship; they have communicated as much," noted Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, during a press conference.

-snip-
Following the meeting, the Ministry explained that "it has been agreed that a review of the vessel will be carried out this afternoon by a team of epidemiologists." "This intervention is intended to assess the condition of the individuals on board, determine whether there are additional people exhibiting symptoms, and identify any high- or low-risk contacts. This will inform decisions regarding repatriation procedures and the ship's itinerary," it noted.

-snip-
This decision will follow a meeting scheduled for 1:30 p.m. this Tuesday, involving officials from the Ministry of Health, the Canary Islands Executive's Public Health Department, and the Foreign Health Service of the Government Delegation to the Canary Islands.

https://www.elconfidencial.com/salud...l&utm_campaign =BotoneraWeb

[sharon sanders]

The Spanish government is analyzing the epidemiological situation on the cruise ship to determine when passengers can disembark.

The ship has been stranded in the Atlantic Ocean since the outbreak was detected. The WHO had confirmed it would disembark in the Canary Islands.


Tuesday, May 5, 2026



snip

In an interview on Radio Canaria, the Vice President of the Canary Islands regional government, Manuel Domínguez, said on Tuesday that it would be “better” for the ship not to stop in the islands and instead go to mainland Spain.

“If the stop doesn't have to be in the Canary Islands, all the better, because there will surely be other resources available on the mainland, but if it has to be, then it should be with all possible guarantees,” explained Domínguez, who indicated that the decision could be made on Tuesday.

more....

https://www.confirmado.com.ar/vernota.asp?id_noticia=33075

[Pathfinder]

Screenshots:


...




6:32 AM · May 5, 2026

[Pathfinder]

Hat tip to Kiwibird -
Related to post 28:

WHO suspects human to human hantavirus transmission on cruise ship


Reuters 4.19m subscribers

5 May 2026The WHO said some human-to-human transmission may have occurred among close contacts on a cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak. Three people have died with one evacuated for treatment.


Read the story here: https://reut.rs/4nbuo9Y

[Pathfinder]

Press update: updated timeline of the medical situation on board m/v Hondius | 5 May 2026, 17:00 CET


by Oceanwide Expeditions News 05.05.2026

5 May 2026, 17:00 CET

In addition to previous communications regarding the background and timeline of the medical situation on board m/v Hondius, the latest status is as follows:

• The vessel remains off the coast of Cape Verde.
• Discussions with the relevant authorities regarding next steps for m/v Hondius, including possible disembarkation and routing, are ongoing.
• Two crew members on board continue to require urgent medical care.
• Investigations into the cause of the illness and any possible connection between cases are ongoing.
• At this stage, no new symptomatic individuals on board have been identified beyond those previously reported.
• Preparations for the medical evacuation of individuals currently requiring urgent medical care are underway in close coordination with the relevant authorities.

As for the possible source of the hantavirus, we refer to comments by the director of the WHO, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove & UN Spokespersons, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w__lSqhmzU stating that, although hantavirus is usually transmitted to humans via rodents (droppings/urine), the WHO is investigating possible human-to-human transmission on the ship. According to Van Kerkhove, it is suspected that the first infected person most probably contracted the virus before boarding.

To ensure that information shared externally remains accurate and consistent, Oceanwide Expeditions is currently communicating through written updates only.

All media inquiries should be directed to:

Mrs. Kiki Hirschfeldt: kiki@coebergh.nl

For all other matters, we refer to our previous communication of 4 May 2026, 23:30 CET (see below), which remains unchanged:
...

https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/press-update-updated-timeline-of-the-medical-situation-on-board-m-v-hondius

[sharon sanders]

Please also see:

Discussion: Cruise ship hantavirus situation - May 2026

[Pathfinder]

Spain -

Translation Google



Updated information available on the hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch cruise ship
Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Updated information available on the hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch cruise ship

The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation, together with the World Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the European Commission and other countries involved, with the aim of continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating possible measures to be taken.

Current situation

A total of six cases have been identified, two of which have been laboratory-confirmed. Three of the affected individuals have died, one is in critical condition in South Africa, and the other two remain on board the vessel.

The ship is carrying 147 people of 23 different nationalities, including 14 of Spanish nationality (13 passengers and one crew member).

The ship is currently anchored in Cape Verde. A team of WHO epidemiologists is scheduled to conduct an assessment this afternoon to determine the next steps.

The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation, together with the World Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the European Commission and other countries involved, with the aim of continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating possible measures to be taken.

Following a meeting between teams from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, it was agreed that a team of epidemiologists will conduct a review of the ship this Tuesday afternoon. This intervention aims to assess the health status of those on board, determine if there are more people with symptoms, and identify high- and low-risk contacts. This information will inform decisions regarding repatriation procedures and the ship's route.

The Ministry of Health, together with the various international agents, will continuously assess the situation and provide assistance as needed, always considering the balance between the risks and benefits of the different actions.

Dealing with these types of situations is part of the daily work of public health authorities in different countries, and any actions will always be carried out with the preservation of the health of the ship's passengers and crew, as well as the populations where they disembark, taking into account that the risk posed by passengers and crew to the population as a whole is minimal, as they are not symptomatic and interpersonal contagion is neither simple nor frequent.

Updates will be issued as new information becomes available regarding the outbreak, prevention measures, and any other relevant aspects.

Hantavirus infection

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses capable of causing serious illness and even death. Their primary mode of transmission is through rodents, especially by inhaling particles present in areas contaminated with their urine or droppings, as well as through direct contact with them or their secretions.

Human-to-human transmission is very rare and, when it occurs, it is usually associated with very close and direct contact with symptomatic individuals.

The incubation period is usually between one and three weeks, although it can range from 3 to 45 days before the onset of symptoms.

These viruses can cause diseases such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

Risk assessment for Spain

Currently, the outbreak is limited to the cruise ship. Thirteen Spanish passengers and one crew member are on board, and are reportedly in good health. Even if close contacts or symptomatic cases were detected among the Spanish passengers, or if sick passengers required medical attention in Spain, the healthcare system would be prepared to treat them safely and minimize the risk of further secondary transmission. The risk to the Spanish population is considered very low.

Risk to the general population

The health risk is extremely low; no impact on the general population is expected. However, there is a risk of misinformation originating on social media that could lead to social alarm and the spread of hoaxes.

Public health response

Within the framework of the International Health Regulations, and Regulation (EU) 2022/2371 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 on serious cross-border threats to health, the coordinated international response encompasses various measures:

• Collaboration and continuous exchange of information between WHO, ECDC/European Commission and the countries involved.
• Recommendation to people on board to remain in their cabins whenever possible.
• Investigation of the possible source of exposure. Epidemiological investigation on board to classify people into high- and low-risk contacts to guide possible additional measures before their evacuation or disembarkation.
• Conducting laboratory tests on suspected cases and characterizing the virus
• The suspected cases remaining on board will be evacuated by medicalized aircraft to high-isolation units for treatment. The two symptomatic cases will be evacuated from Cape Verde to the Netherlands. The high-risk contact will be quarantined in Germany.
• The final destination of the ship on which the passengers will disembark is still pending decision.

Preventive measures

In Spain, it is not necessary to take specific preventative measures.

In regions where the presence of the virus is suspected, the following measures apply:

• Keep the premises clean to prevent the presence of rodents, removing any unused items that could serve as nesting sites for them.
• Take special care when starting up fans and air conditioning units whose filters or ducts may have come into contact with contaminated dust, rodents, or their excrement.
• Bury the garbage daily in places away from the establishment and covered with at least thirty centimeters of soil, in case there is no household collection.
• Ventilate the rooms before entering if rodent activity is suspected.
• Remove all objects that could serve as nesting sites for rodents.

Documents of interest

Status report

https://www.sanidad.gob.es/en/gabinete/notasPrensa.do?id=6899

[Pathfinder]

Onboard Update: m/v Hondius | 5 May 2026 19:15 hrs CET


by Oceanwide Expeditions News 05.05.2026

5 May 2026 19:15 hrs CET

In addition to our update 5 May 2026, 17:00 CET we can confirm the following:

• The medical evacuation of two individuals currently requiring urgent medical care, and the individual associated with the guest who passed away on 2 May, will occur using two specialized aircraft that are en route to Cape Verde. From here, the patients are to be medically evacuated to the Netherlands. At this stage, we do not have an exact timeline.
• Once these three individuals have been safely transferred from the vessel and are in transit to the Netherlands, the m/v Hondius will begin repositioning. Our plan is to proceed to the Canary Islands, either Gran Canaria or Tenerife, which will take 3 days of sailing. Discussions are ongoing with relevant authorities. This will be shared when concrete plans are available.

To ensure that information shared externally remains accurate and consistent, Oceanwide Expeditions is currently communicating through written updates only.

All media inquiries should be directed to:

Mrs. Kiki Hirschfeldt: kiki@coebergh.nl

For all other matters, we refer to our previous communication of 5 May 2026, 17:00 CET (see below), which remains unchanged:

https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/bl...2026-15-30-cet

https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/press-update-updated-timeline-of-the-medical-situation-on-board-m-v-hondius

[Commonground]

UPDATED - May 5, 2026 at 3:22 p.m. | Posted - May 5, 2026 at 9:50 a.m.

Spain confirms it will receive hantavirus-hit cruise ship in Canary Islands

MADRID — The Spanish Health Ministry confirmed on Tuesday evening it would receive the MV Hondius in the ⁠Canary Islands "in accordance with ⁠international law and humanitarian principles."

Once in the Canary Islands, medical ⁠teams ⁠would examine and treat all passengers and crew and transfer them to their countries, the statement said.

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/the-pandemic-discussion-forum/1034093-discussion-cruise-ship-hantavirus-situation-may-2026?p=1034117#post1034117

[Commonground]

30 minutes ago
Cruise ship with hantavirus outbreak to sail to Canary Islands

Excerpt:

Two crew members, including the ship's doctor, require urgent medical care and are waiting to be medically evacuated. A third person linked to a German national who died is also due to be evacuated.

In its statement, the health ministry said the doctor, who is in serious condition, will be evacuated to the Canary Islands today on a hospital aircraft.

It said the World Health Organization (WHO) had explained that Cape Verde "cannot carry out this operation".

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/the-pandemic-discussion-forum/1034093-discussion-cruise-ship-hantavirus-situation-may-2026?p=1034122#post1034122

[Commonground]

May 5, 2026Updated 5:49 p.m. ET
Cruise Ship Struck by Hantavirus Is to Head to Canary Islands, W.H.O. Says

The Spanish government will receive the vessel. The World Health Organization said human-to-human transmission may have played a role in the outbreak.

Excerpt:
The Spanish Health Ministry said on Tuesday that the ship was expected to arrive there within three to four days, and that it was not yet decided which port the cruise would arrive at. Once the ship reaches the Canary Islands, the ministry added, the crew and passengers will be examined, treated and transferred to their respective countries. Before the ship departs for the Canary Islands, the authorities will determine which passengers need to be urgently evacuated while still in Cape Verde. The ship’s doctor, who the ministry said was in “serious condition,” will be evacuated on Tuesday on a medical flight to the Canary Islands.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/05/world/africa/cruise-ship-hantavirus-cape-verde-hondius.html

[sharon sanders]

Spain MoH -

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

Spain will welcome the MV Hondius vessel to the Canary Islands in compliance with International Law and the humanitarian spirit.

The Government will release the details of this protocol as soon as they are defined by the WHO and the ECDC. It will also provide timely updates on its implementation.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in coordination with the European Union, has just requested that the Spanish government accept the MV Hondius in the Canary Islands in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.

The vessel is currently in Cape Verde, where it has docked after detecting an outbreak of hantavirus infection.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is conducting a thorough examination of the ship to determine which individuals require urgent evacuation from Cape Verde. The remaining passengers will continue on to the Canary Islands, where they are expected to arrive within three to four days. The specific port has not yet been determined. Once there, the crew and passengers will be properly examined, treated, and transferred to their respective countries. The process will be managed according to a common protocol for case and contact tracing developed by the WHO and the ECDC, and will include all necessary safety measures. Both medical care and transfers will be carried out in special spaces and transports specifically set up for this situation, avoiding all contact with the local population and ensuring the safety of healthcare personnel at all times.

The Government will release the details of this protocol as soon as they are defined by the WHO and the ECDC. It will also provide timely updates on its implementation.

The World Health Organization has explained that Cape Verde cannot carry out this operation. The Canary Islands are the closest location with the necessary capabilities. Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are several Spanish citizens.

Following this same logic, and as part of the operation, the Government has also accepted a formal request from the Government of the Netherlands to receive the doctor from the MV Hondius, who is in serious condition and will be transported to the Canary Islands today on a hospital aircraft.

https://www.sanidad.gob.es/en/gabinete/notasPrensa.do?id=6900

[Toaster2]

According to AD, a dutch newspaper, the two confirmed hanta virus cases are Andes variant. In addition there is a person treated with (suspected) hantavirus in Zurich, Switzerland. This person has been on the cruise ship. Not clear if this is the German patient or another one that left the ship ealier

https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/live-hantavirus-na-kaapverdie-weigert-ook-tenerife-de-passagiers-op-te-vangen-ik-kan-dit-niet-toestaan~a3f98549/?slug_rd=1

[Michael Coston]

Press Release from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)

https://www.bag.admin.ch/de/newnsb/p--A7yPSfxdBqR0N9kZMC

Treating a patient who left the ship in late April.



Patient with hantavirus infection is receiving hospital treatment

Bern, May 6, 2026 — A person with a hantavirus infection is currently being treated at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ). The patient is a man who has returned to Switzerland and was previously a passenger on the cruise ship where several hantavirus cases have occurred. The USZ is prepared for such cases, can care for the patient, and ensure the safety of both staff and all patients. There is currently no danger to the Swiss population.

In Switzerland, a person has tested positive for hantavirus. The man had returned from a trip to South America with his wife at the end of April. After experiencing symptoms, he consulted his family doctor by phone and went to the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) for testing. He was immediately isolated. A test conducted at the reference laboratory of the Geneva University Hospital (HUG) confirmed a positive result for hantavirus. Specifically, it is the Andes virus, a hantavirus found in South America. Unlike European hantaviruses, which are transmitted through the excrement of infected rodents, human-to-human transmission of the American hantavirus variant has been observed only rarely. However, transmission only occurs through close contact. Therefore, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) considers the occurrence of further cases in Switzerland unlikely. The risk to the Swiss population is low.

The patient's wife also traveled with him. She is currently asymptomatic and has self-isolated as a precaution. Cantonal authorities are investigating whether the patient had contact with anyone else during his illness. The patient is being treated at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) under strict safety protocols. The USZ is a designated reference hospital for such illnesses.

The Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) is in close contact with other bodies, such as the Canton of Zurich, the University Hospital of Zurich and Geneva, and the WHO, and is constantly coordinating with them and closely monitoring further developments.

Hantavirus fever is rare in Switzerland. In recent years, there have been between 0 and 6 reported cases per year. Of these few cases, the vast majority were due to infections acquired abroad.