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.
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Cruise ship - Hantavirus - May 3+ - As of May 22 per WHO: 13 total cases, 3 total deaths - WHO considers the outbreak over (July 2, 2026)
- Thread starter sharon sanders
- Start date
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.
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
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[SUP]th[/SUP] of May, which takes us to the 21[SUP]st[/SUP] 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/speec...he-media-briefing-on-hantavirus---12-may-2026
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[SUP]th[/SUP] of May, which takes us to the 21[SUP]st[/SUP] 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/speec...he-media-briefing-on-hantavirus---12-may-2026
https://x.com/HHSGov/status/2054247864532943193?s=20
All 16 Americans who arrived yesterday at the
@unmc
Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) in Omaha after traveling on the MV Hondius cruise ship currently remain asymptomatic. Last night, the mildly symptomatic U.S. passenger taken to the
@EmoryUniversity
RESPTC in Atlanta tested negative for the Andes variant of hantavirus.
All 16 Americans who arrived yesterday at the
@unmc
Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) in Omaha after traveling on the MV Hondius cruise ship currently remain asymptomatic. Last night, the mildly symptomatic U.S. passenger taken to the
@EmoryUniversity
RESPTC in Atlanta tested negative for the Andes variant of hantavirus.
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
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
Editor, Senior Moderator
This is yesterday’s press release from UNMC, which was issued before the patient’s test results came back negative.(See Alert's post #166 above)
16 U.S. citizens safely repatriated to UNMC, Nebraska Medicine
They arrived in Omaha early Monday on a U.S. Department of State plane from the Canary Islands. Fifteen were “resting now” on Monday morning in the National Quarantine Unit at the Davis Global Center, reported Michael Wadman, MD, Muelleman Chair of Emergency Medicine at UNMC, the unit’s medical director.
The sixteenth, who previously tested positive for Andes Hantavirus, was transported to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit for monitoring. This individual was “doing well and not showing any symptoms at this time,” as of Monday morning, reported Angela Hewlett, MD, Orr Chair in Health Security and the NBU’s medical director.
Two other individuals, one showing symptoms, were transported to Emory University in Atlanta and its biocontainment unit.
Federal, state, university, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine experts updated the public Monday morning at a press conference at the medical center. CNN, NBC News, CBS News, FOX News, ABC News and KETV News attended, among other outlets.
The U.S. federal government, as it had during infectious diseases outbreaks of Ebola and COVID-19, again turned to UNMC and Nebraska Medicine and its world-class experts and facilities.
“We are honored to have this responsibility to repatriate these American citizens. There is no place in the country where they would be better cared for, more safely and more effectively,” said University of Nebraska System President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD.
The medical center was tapped for this assignment “due to its extensive expertise in handling of special pathogens and because it has the only national quarantine unit in the country,” said John Knox, principal deputy assistant secretary for preparedness and response for the U.S. Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). Knox was one of a handful of top federal officials on site Monday morning.
“What you are seeing is a system working exactly as intended,” said Matthew Ferreira, DVM, counselor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The 15 in the National Quarantine Unit are currently “in good shape and in good spirits,” Dr. Wadman said. “They are definitely tired and needed some rest.
“They are all asymptomatic and all very grateful to be here.”
The visiting individuals range in age from late 20s to early 80s, Dr. Wadman said.
https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2026/...safely-repatriated-to-unmc-nebraska-medicine/
16 U.S. citizens safely repatriated to UNMC, Nebraska Medicine
- Written by Kalani Simpson, UNMC strategic communications
- Photography by Kiley Cruse
- Videography by Rich Watson
- Published May 11, 2026
They arrived in Omaha early Monday on a U.S. Department of State plane from the Canary Islands. Fifteen were “resting now” on Monday morning in the National Quarantine Unit at the Davis Global Center, reported Michael Wadman, MD, Muelleman Chair of Emergency Medicine at UNMC, the unit’s medical director.
The sixteenth, who previously tested positive for Andes Hantavirus, was transported to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit for monitoring. This individual was “doing well and not showing any symptoms at this time,” as of Monday morning, reported Angela Hewlett, MD, Orr Chair in Health Security and the NBU’s medical director.
Two other individuals, one showing symptoms, were transported to Emory University in Atlanta and its biocontainment unit.
Federal, state, university, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine experts updated the public Monday morning at a press conference at the medical center. CNN, NBC News, CBS News, FOX News, ABC News and KETV News attended, among other outlets.
The U.S. federal government, as it had during infectious diseases outbreaks of Ebola and COVID-19, again turned to UNMC and Nebraska Medicine and its world-class experts and facilities.
“We are honored to have this responsibility to repatriate these American citizens. There is no place in the country where they would be better cared for, more safely and more effectively,” said University of Nebraska System President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD.
The medical center was tapped for this assignment “due to its extensive expertise in handling of special pathogens and because it has the only national quarantine unit in the country,” said John Knox, principal deputy assistant secretary for preparedness and response for the U.S. Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). Knox was one of a handful of top federal officials on site Monday morning.
“What you are seeing is a system working exactly as intended,” said Matthew Ferreira, DVM, counselor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The 15 in the National Quarantine Unit are currently “in good shape and in good spirits,” Dr. Wadman said. “They are definitely tired and needed some rest.
“They are all asymptomatic and all very grateful to be here.”
The visiting individuals range in age from late 20s to early 80s, Dr. Wadman said.
https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2026/...safely-repatriated-to-unmc-nebraska-medicine/
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Andes Virus Outbreak on a Cruise Ship: Current Situation
For Everyone
May 12, 2026
Español
Key points
- CDC is responding to a deadly outbreak of Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, among passengers and crew of a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
- To date, no cases of Andes virus have been confirmed in the United States as a result of this outbreak.
- The risk of a pandemic caused by this outbreak and the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains extremely low.
CDC is responding to a deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, reported on May 2, 2026.
The type of hantavirus responsible for this outbreak is the Andes virus, which can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). HPS is a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs.
What CDC is doing
- CDC worked closely with other U.S. government agencies and international partners to bring Americans on the ship home as quickly and as safely as possible.
- CDC, in coordination with state and federal partners, repatriated passengers from the affected cruise ship to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit and Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.
- Both are high containment facilities that provide a secure environment for treatment of infectious diseases.
- CDC is providing technical assistance and guidance to other public health authorities responding to this outbreak.
- CDC has worked with health departments to confirm that all exposed passengers are being monitored by public health officials.
- CDC responds to sick travelers at U.S. ports of entry 24/7, 365 days of the year.
- CDC works with other federal agencies, health departments, airlines, and international partners to identify and follow up with people potentially exposed to a contagious disease of public health concern during travel.
- CDC port health stations are part of a network that serves to limit the introduction and spread of contagious diseases in the United States.
https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/situation-summary/index.html
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
UKHSA update on the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak
Latest information on cases including British nationals.
From: UK Health Security Agency and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published 6 May 2026 Last updated 12 May 2026 — See all updates
Latest update
The response to the outbreak of hantavirus linked to MV Hondius continues.
Plans are underway to support those who will shortly return home to isolate following their time at Arrowe Park.
Public health and clinical specialists have assessed each passenger’s individual circumstances, and, where it is safe and possible, tailored support packages will be provided to enable people to isolate at home. Health protection teams across the UK will continue to monitor and support everyone after they leave the facility, with daily contact throughout the isolation period to ensure they can isolate safely.
Over the coming days, the UKHSA will also support relocation of some contacts who are already isolating to places where they can safely self-isolate with access to appropriate specialist medical services. This includes 10 people from the UK Overseas Territories of Saint Helena and Ascension Island who will be brought to the UK to complete their self-isolation as a precautionary measure. This is because England’s NHS high consequence infectious disease network is well equipped to respond if they become unwell. Currently none of these contacts are symptomatic and this is precautionary to support communities in UK overseas territories. We will set out where they will isolate in due course.
UKHSA continues to work closely with public health teams in devolved administrations and UK Overseas Territories to identify and support those who may have had close contact with cases.
Arrangements are being made for a small number of individuals who have been isolating at home or elsewhere in England to be assessed at Arrowe Park.
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said:
We are grateful to the passengers for their cooperation and patience in what we appreciate has been a very unsettling period for all involved. As this first assessment period concludes, our priority remains to ensure everyone is safe and well supported, wherever they complete their isolation. Our teams will continue to be there for all of the affected individuals every step of the way.
We would ask the media and the public to respect the privacy of the passengers and their families at what has been a very difficult and distressing time for everyone involved.
...We would ask the media and the public to respect the privacy of the passengers and their families at what has been a very difficult and distressing time for everyone involved.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
France -
Translation Google
Hantavirus: Contact Cases Identified, French Patient in "Serious Condition" — Key Takeaways from the Health Minister’s Press Conference
Stéphanie Rist held a press conference regarding the virus, flanked by infectious disease specialists, in an effort to allay the fears of a French public still traumatized by the memory of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Le Monde with AFP
Published yesterday at 8:56 p.m., updated yesterday at 9:54 p.m.
A French woman, a former passenger on the Hondius , is seriously affected by a hantavirus infection, but there is no sign of the virus circulating in France: Health Minister Stéphanie Rist, along with medical specialists, attempted on Tuesday, May 12, to calm the concerns of a French population traumatized by the memory of Covid-19.
The effort was supported from Nairobi by Emmanuel Macron, who considered the situation to be "under control" in France. "Today, the government undoubtedly has one of the most demanding protocols (...) like Spain and a few others, which is a good thing, because we have past experience ," he said, alluding to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The infected French woman, a tourist over 65 years old who was repatriated from the Hondius cruise ship with four other passengers last weekend on a special flight, is in intensive care in Paris, at Bichat Hospital, in "serious condition" , said Ms. Rist .
"Close medical monitoring"
The patient now has "the most severe form of cardiopulmonary presentation" , and to ensure "artificial oxygenation she has an artificial lung, a blood diversion to allow, we hope, to get through this phase, while the lung attacked by this virus and the lesions of the vascular wall can recover ," explained infectious disease specialist Xavier Lescure during a press conference at the Ministry of Health.
However, the four other passengers on the boat "are doing well" and "are under close medical supervision" in the hospital, the minister emphasized. As for the 22 other identified contact cases, they are "hospitalized" or "currently being hospitalized ," she specified. These individuals are being "rigorously monitored . " "They are doing very well and are asymptomatic; in any case, in the interviews that have been conducted and in the first group who are already hospitalized, they have no clinical symptoms ." According to Ms. Rist , the hospitalized contact cases will remain hospitalized for at least "fourteen days . "
"The positive cases worldwide are exclusively cruise ship passengers" for the time being, she reiterated, and there is "no evidence of the virus circulating within the country ." When questioned about the country's preparedness for the possibility of a new epidemic, particularly regarding mask supplies and available capacity, the minister offered reassurances.
Following the Covid-19 outbreak, "we are on track to replenish our mask stocks, so we have no concerns on that front ," she stated. "Regarding hospital beds, we had no difficulty finding space" for close contacts, who are in special rooms to limit the risk of infection.
Negative pressure chambers
"These are rooms which have ultra-secure air treatment with negative pressures which will prevent and significantly reduce airborne transmission since the air is filtered and under highly negative pressure ," explained Xavier Lescure.
The 22 French people identified as contact cases are divided into two groups:
A first group of eight passengers from the April 25th flight from Saint Helena to Johannesburg , which also included a Dutch woman who was infected and later died. The first group includes three teenagers who were traveling with their parents, all of whom are hospitalized in Paris at the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital, explained infectious disease specialist Xavier Lescure;
A second group of 14 passengers on a flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam on the same day , on which the Dutch victim had briefly boarded before being removed before departure, due to her condition.
A contact case identified in Concarneau (Finistère) was transferred Tuesday morning to the University Hospital of Rennes, the town's mayor announced. Another contact case was also hospitalized at the University Hospital of Marseille, according to the Ministry of Health.
...https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/arti...-de-la-ministre-de-la-sante_6688290_3244.html
Translation Google
Hantavirus: Contact Cases Identified, French Patient in "Serious Condition" — Key Takeaways from the Health Minister’s Press Conference
Stéphanie Rist held a press conference regarding the virus, flanked by infectious disease specialists, in an effort to allay the fears of a French public still traumatized by the memory of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Le Monde with AFP
Published yesterday at 8:56 p.m., updated yesterday at 9:54 p.m.
A French woman, a former passenger on the Hondius , is seriously affected by a hantavirus infection, but there is no sign of the virus circulating in France: Health Minister Stéphanie Rist, along with medical specialists, attempted on Tuesday, May 12, to calm the concerns of a French population traumatized by the memory of Covid-19.
The effort was supported from Nairobi by Emmanuel Macron, who considered the situation to be "under control" in France. "Today, the government undoubtedly has one of the most demanding protocols (...) like Spain and a few others, which is a good thing, because we have past experience ," he said, alluding to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The infected French woman, a tourist over 65 years old who was repatriated from the Hondius cruise ship with four other passengers last weekend on a special flight, is in intensive care in Paris, at Bichat Hospital, in "serious condition" , said Ms. Rist .
"Close medical monitoring"
The patient now has "the most severe form of cardiopulmonary presentation" , and to ensure "artificial oxygenation she has an artificial lung, a blood diversion to allow, we hope, to get through this phase, while the lung attacked by this virus and the lesions of the vascular wall can recover ," explained infectious disease specialist Xavier Lescure during a press conference at the Ministry of Health.
However, the four other passengers on the boat "are doing well" and "are under close medical supervision" in the hospital, the minister emphasized. As for the 22 other identified contact cases, they are "hospitalized" or "currently being hospitalized ," she specified. These individuals are being "rigorously monitored . " "They are doing very well and are asymptomatic; in any case, in the interviews that have been conducted and in the first group who are already hospitalized, they have no clinical symptoms ." According to Ms. Rist , the hospitalized contact cases will remain hospitalized for at least "fourteen days . "
"The positive cases worldwide are exclusively cruise ship passengers" for the time being, she reiterated, and there is "no evidence of the virus circulating within the country ." When questioned about the country's preparedness for the possibility of a new epidemic, particularly regarding mask supplies and available capacity, the minister offered reassurances.
Following the Covid-19 outbreak, "we are on track to replenish our mask stocks, so we have no concerns on that front ," she stated. "Regarding hospital beds, we had no difficulty finding space" for close contacts, who are in special rooms to limit the risk of infection.
Negative pressure chambers
"These are rooms which have ultra-secure air treatment with negative pressures which will prevent and significantly reduce airborne transmission since the air is filtered and under highly negative pressure ," explained Xavier Lescure.
The 22 French people identified as contact cases are divided into two groups:
A first group of eight passengers from the April 25th flight from Saint Helena to Johannesburg , which also included a Dutch woman who was infected and later died. The first group includes three teenagers who were traveling with their parents, all of whom are hospitalized in Paris at the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital, explained infectious disease specialist Xavier Lescure;
A second group of 14 passengers on a flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam on the same day , on which the Dutch victim had briefly boarded before being removed before departure, due to her condition.
A contact case identified in Concarneau (Finistère) was transferred Tuesday morning to the University Hospital of Rennes, the town's mayor announced. Another contact case was also hospitalized at the University Hospital of Marseille, according to the Ministry of Health.
...https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/arti...-de-la-ministre-de-la-sante_6688290_3244.html
The American with the ambiguous test results was the doctor, and had an unexplained illness in early April:
https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/12/us/hantavirus-cruise-hondius-quarantine-intl-hnk
[snip]
Dr. Stephen Kornfeld was taking the trip of a lifetime aboard a cruise sailing across the Atlantic Ocean when he was called on to care for other passengers who fell ill. Now, he’s the only MV Hondius passenger in a biocontainment unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center after initially testing positive for Andes hantavirus.
Before the world became aware of the hantavirus outbreak on board the Hondius, several people on the ship developed “a flu-like illness” in early April, the oncologist told CNN’s “Erin Burnett OutFront” on Tuesday. Kornfeld also endured night sweat, chills and mild respiratory symptoms, as well as more than two weeks of severe fatigue, he said.
“At the time, it was felt like this is just some virus. And now, in retrospect, there is a question, could it have been hantavirus? But it’s just speculation. There’s no way to really know.”
https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/12/us/hantavirus-cruise-hondius-quarantine-intl-hnk
[snip]
Dr. Stephen Kornfeld was taking the trip of a lifetime aboard a cruise sailing across the Atlantic Ocean when he was called on to care for other passengers who fell ill. Now, he’s the only MV Hondius passenger in a biocontainment unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center after initially testing positive for Andes hantavirus.
Before the world became aware of the hantavirus outbreak on board the Hondius, several people on the ship developed “a flu-like illness” in early April, the oncologist told CNN’s “Erin Burnett OutFront” on Tuesday. Kornfeld also endured night sweat, chills and mild respiratory symptoms, as well as more than two weeks of severe fatigue, he said.
“At the time, it was felt like this is just some virus. And now, in retrospect, there is a question, could it have been hantavirus? But it’s just speculation. There’s no way to really know.”
We've had at least a couple other suspected cases from that flight, but they've all tested negative so far:
https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15811271/First-suspected-generation-three-hantavirus-case-Italian-sat-alongside-woman-Dutch-KLM-flight-died-develops-symptoms-amid-fears-virus-MUTATED.html
[snip]
The first suspected 'generation-three' hantavirus case has emerged, potentially signifying the first stage of a much wider outbreak of the deadly rat-borne disease.
Samples from a quarantined Italian man have been sent to an infectious diseases hospital for testing after he boarded a Dutch KLM flight alongside a woman who later died from hantavirus.
https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15811271/First-suspected-generation-three-hantavirus-case-Italian-sat-alongside-woman-Dutch-KLM-flight-died-develops-symptoms-amid-fears-virus-MUTATED.html
[snip]
The first suspected 'generation-three' hantavirus case has emerged, potentially signifying the first stage of a much wider outbreak of the deadly rat-borne disease.
Samples from a quarantined Italian man have been sent to an infectious diseases hospital for testing after he boarded a Dutch KLM flight alongside a woman who later died from hantavirus.
And this one is negative as well:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...ed-hantavirus-case-is-negative-easing-worries
Four negative tests from Italy, including the above one:
https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/italy-four-people-quarantined-hantavirus-tested-negative/
https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/italy-four-people-quarantined-hantavirus-tested-negative/
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
At the live WHO event today it was announced that the case total is still 11 and 3 deaths. There will be a new DON today. Also referred to @DrTedros on X for more possible updates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG06Mv6XpRs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG06Mv6XpRs
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Emory University Hospital receives two passengers following hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship
Date: May 12, 2026
Working in coordination with local, state and federal partners, Emory University Hospital’s Serious Communicable Diseases Unit has received two passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship following a hantavirus outbreak onboard.
One symptomatic individual is receiving care in Emory’s biocontainment unit, and one asymptomatic individual—who has been in close contact with a symptomatic individual—is undergoing evaluation and monitoring.
Emory University Hospital is part of the Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center network within the federally supported National Special Pathogen System, which provides specialized capabilities for safely managing high-consequence infectious diseases.
https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/new...-following-hantavirus-outbreak-on-cruise-ship
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Hantavirus Response Update
12 May 2026
Government, Press Release
A high risk contact on Ascension has developed symptoms consistent with hantavirus. Initial testing for hantavirus was negative, from samples shipped to the United Kingdom, but further investigations are ongoing.
We also understand that a family member of this contact travelled to St Helena on Sunday, 10 May 2026. This family member is not suspected to have been infected with hantavirus, but has been asked to enter isolation as a precaution until the full testing results and details of the situation are confirmed. There is currently no indication of any additional risk to the wider population as a result of this development.
This individual is part of a group of medical personnel on Ascension who had close contact with a confirmed case and had already been assessed as higher risk. As a precaution, plans are in place for their relocation. These arrangements are being kept under review to ensure they can respond to any change in clinical circumstances.
Office of the Administrator
12 May 2026
https://www.ascension.gov.ac/hantavirus-response-update
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Andes hantavirus outbreak in cruise ship, 13 May 2026
This page is updated once daily, including on weekends. This is a rapidly evolving situation and all data reflect the situation as of 14:00 on the date of publication.
ECDC was notified on 2 May 2026 of a cluster of severe respiratory illness on MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged cruise ship with passengers and crew from 23 countries, including nine EU/EEA countries.
As of 13 May, a total of eleven cases have been reported, including eight confirmed, two probable, and one inconclusive. No new cases or deaths have been reported since the previous update.
The MV Hondius cruise ship arrived at the port of Granadilla, Tenerife, on Sunday 10 May. Disembarkation of passengers and part of the crew was completed on 11 May and repatriation of all passengers and crew members to their countries was completed. The ship departed from Tenerife on 11 May and is scheduled to arrive in the Netherlands on 17 or 18 May.
The virus has been identified as Andes hantavirus, the only hantavirus that can be transmitted person-to-person, typically requiring close, prolonged contact. Measures are already in place on board of the ship to reduce the likelihood of infection among passengers and crew.
The risk to the EU/EEA general population is very low.
- Has been on or visited the same transport (e.g. ship or plane) where a confirmed or probable Andes hantavirus (ANDV) case was present, OR
- Has been in contact with a passenger or crew member of the MV Hondius since 5 April,
- Has a fever (currently or recently),
- Plus at least one of the following symptoms:
- muscle aches
- chills
- headache
- stomach problems (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain)
- breathing problems (such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty breathing)
- Has the symptoms listed above, and
- Is known to have been in contact with a confirmed or probable ANDV case
- Meets the suspected or probable case definition, and
- Has a laboratory test that confirms ANDV infection (PCR or antibody test)
Non-case
A non-case is a person who was initially considered a suspected or probable case, but tests negative for ANDV using laboratory tests (PCR or antibody test).
...
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/infec...illance-and-updates/andes-hantavirus-outbreak
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
UKHSA update on the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak
Latest information on cases including British nationals.
From: UK Health Security Agency and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published 6 May 2026 Last updated 13 May 2026
Latest update
The UK Health Security Agency is paying thanks to everyone who has isolated at Arrowe Park since Sunday evening and to all the staff at the facility and within the wider system for supporting them, commending them for their ‘incredible effort’.
Today, 6 individuals from Arrowe Park are returning home or to other suitable accommodation to complete their 45 day isolation period. Public health and clinical specialists have assessed each individual’s circumstances and following their latest negative PCR test, tailored support packages are being provided to enable people to isolate at home. Arrangements for onward travel from Arrowe Park will be managed with appropriate public health protections in place at every stage of the journey. All contacts who remain at Arrowe Park remain asymptomatic; they have no symptoms. All testing of contacts has been negative for Hantavirus.
Health protection teams across the UK will continue to monitor and support everyone after they leave the facility, with daily contact throughout the isolation period to ensure appropriate health and wellbeing support.
Contact tracing, regular monitoring and testing of contacts continues by UKHSA specialist teams. Over the coming days, UKHSA will also support relocation of some more contacts who are already isolating, to places where they can do so more easily.
Medical staff monitoring contacts on Ascension and St Helena have confirmed that one contact, a medic on Ascension island, has developed symptoms. Their samples were taken to the UK on 8 May and tested negative. Testing is underway to establish whether this is an unrelated illness, with the individual being offered all necessary care. We continue to work closely with the FCDO to provide support to the islands of the territories.
UKHSA continues to work closely with public health teams in devolved administrations and UK Overseas Territories to identify and support those who may have had close contact with cases.
The risk to the general public remains very low.
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said:
...
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak
See also post #178
Latest information on cases including British nationals.
From: UK Health Security Agency and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published 6 May 2026 Last updated 13 May 2026
Latest update
The UK Health Security Agency is paying thanks to everyone who has isolated at Arrowe Park since Sunday evening and to all the staff at the facility and within the wider system for supporting them, commending them for their ‘incredible effort’.
Today, 6 individuals from Arrowe Park are returning home or to other suitable accommodation to complete their 45 day isolation period. Public health and clinical specialists have assessed each individual’s circumstances and following their latest negative PCR test, tailored support packages are being provided to enable people to isolate at home. Arrangements for onward travel from Arrowe Park will be managed with appropriate public health protections in place at every stage of the journey. All contacts who remain at Arrowe Park remain asymptomatic; they have no symptoms. All testing of contacts has been negative for Hantavirus.
Health protection teams across the UK will continue to monitor and support everyone after they leave the facility, with daily contact throughout the isolation period to ensure appropriate health and wellbeing support.
Contact tracing, regular monitoring and testing of contacts continues by UKHSA specialist teams. Over the coming days, UKHSA will also support relocation of some more contacts who are already isolating, to places where they can do so more easily.
Medical staff monitoring contacts on Ascension and St Helena have confirmed that one contact, a medic on Ascension island, has developed symptoms. Their samples were taken to the UK on 8 May and tested negative. Testing is underway to establish whether this is an unrelated illness, with the individual being offered all necessary care. We continue to work closely with the FCDO to provide support to the islands of the territories.
UKHSA continues to work closely with public health teams in devolved administrations and UK Overseas Territories to identify and support those who may have had close contact with cases.
The risk to the general public remains very low.
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said:
Our teams are working closely with FCDO colleagues and leaders on Ascension island to repatriate British nationals who are currently isolating on the island. Testing is underway to confirm the cause of illness for the person displaying symptoms and we will take all necessary action to support this person and the wider island population whilst continuing to protect public health in England and UK overseas territories.
Once again I must commend those who have cooperated so selflessly with the isolation arrangements at Arrowe Park, and we are pleased that they will now begin to return home to isolate after a very unsettling period for all involved. Thanks also to the NHS and UKHSA colleagues caring for them throughout their time there.
Together this has been an incredible demonstration of international efforts to contain the outbreak. Our priority remains to ensure everyone is safe and well supported, wherever they complete their isolation, and our teams will continue to work closely with all of those affected by this outbreak.
We would ask the media and the public to respect the privacy of the passengers, contacts and their families at what has been a very difficult and distressing time for everyone involved.
Once again I must commend those who have cooperated so selflessly with the isolation arrangements at Arrowe Park, and we are pleased that they will now begin to return home to isolate after a very unsettling period for all involved. Thanks also to the NHS and UKHSA colleagues caring for them throughout their time there.
Together this has been an incredible demonstration of international efforts to contain the outbreak. Our priority remains to ensure everyone is safe and well supported, wherever they complete their isolation, and our teams will continue to work closely with all of those affected by this outbreak.
We would ask the media and the public to respect the privacy of the passengers, contacts and their families at what has been a very difficult and distressing time for everyone involved.
...
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak
See also post #178
sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
I believe the inconclusive patient has tested negative 2 times now. So this person is counted as a negative at this point in time. Could change in the next few weeks since the incubation time can be several weeks.
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Press update | m/v Hondius: 11 May 2026, 21:30 hrs CET
by Oceanwide Expeditions News 11.05.2026
11 May 2026, 21:30 hrs CET
Oceanwide Expeditions is pleased to share that the successful disembarkation of guests and a limited number of crew has been completed in Granadilla, the Canary Islands. At 19:00 hrs local time, m/v Hondius departed Granadilla and is now underway towards Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It is expected to take m/v Hondius 6 days to sail to Rotterdam. A provisional arrival date is the evening of Sunday, 17 May 2026.
All guests and a limited number of crew members have now been transferred from m/v Hondius to waiting aircraft. The total number of individuals repatriated to their home countries and the Netherlands is 122 (35 crew, 87 guests).
...
Before the final transfers of guests and crew, this morning, m/v Hondius bunkered in Granadilla, and took on necessary supplies ahead of her transit to Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The vessel has 25 crew members on board. In addition, 2 medical professionals accompany the ship, led by the RIVM, to conduct ongoing medical monitoring during the voyage. This brings the total of individuals currently aboard m/v Hondius to 27. The body of the German guest who passed away on board on 2 May remains with m/v Hondius. This individual is not counted in the total number. Oceanwide Expeditions will coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure repatriation upon arrival in the Netherlands.
screenshot:
...
https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/press/press-update-m-v-hondius-11-may-2026-21-00-hrs-cet
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Press update | m/v Hondius: 13 May 2026, 18:15 hrs CET
by Oceanwide Expeditions News 13.05.2026
13 May 2026, 18:15 hrs CET
Oceanwide Expeditions continues to monitor the progress of m/v Hondius during her transit to Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
A total of 27 individuals remain on board, 25 crew and 2 medical staff, provided by RIVM. None of these individuals is displaying symptoms associated with hantavirus. The two medical staff on board are performing medical monitoring throughout the remainder of the voyage.
The vessel is expected to arrive in Rotterdam on Monday, 18 May. Upon arrival, a staggered process of disembarking the remaining crew members will begin. All individuals will follow quarantine procedures outlined by the Dutch authorities and RIVM. Please refer to the RIVM for more information regarding quarantine measures (https://www.rivm.nl/en).
Upon arrival, m/v Hondius will undergo a thorough cleaning and disinfection process. The exact details of this are being discussed with the GGD Rotterdam, RIVM, and local authorities.
Further information about the arrival of m/v Hondius in Rotterdam, including the media registration process, can be found here.
All media inquiries should be directed to: Mrs. Kiki Hirschfeldt: kiki@coebergh.nl
For all other matters, we refer to our previous press updates. The unchanged list of previous official communications is as follows:
12 May 2026, 18:00 hrs CET
https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/press-update-m-v-hondius-12-may-18-15-hrs-cet
...
https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/press/press-update-m-v-hondius-13-may-2026-18-15-hrs-cet