health
Hantavirus possibly transmitted human to human on stranded cruise ship, WHO says
Updated on: May 5, 2026 / 12:05 PM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- The WHO believes rare human-to-human transmission of hantavirus likely occurred on the cruise ship MV Hondius.
- Three deaths are linked to the outbreak, with one confirmed case in intensive care in South Africa.
- The ship, previously refused docking in Cape Verde, will now undergo a full investigation and disinfection in the Canary Islands.
- Hantavirus is usually spread by rodents, but the Andes strain can pass between humans, though this is rare.
- Contact tracing is underway for passengers and crew, and potential quarantine periods are being considered.