Hantavirus may have spread between passengers on cruise ship, WHO says
Two cases of the virus, which rarely spreads between humans, have been confirmed on the ship, and three people have died.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"We do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that is happening among the really close contacts."
— Dr Maria Van Kerkhove , Academic
"We’re working with Spanish authorities who … have said that they will welcome the ship to do a full investigation, a full epidemiologic investigation, full disinfection of the ship and, of course, to assess the risk of the passengers that are actually on board."
— Maria Van Kerkhove , Academic
"Our days have been close to normal, just waiting for authorities to find a solution."
— Qasem Elhato , Other
"You don’t embark on a trip with the idea that one of your fellow passengers won’t make it."
— Helene Goessaert , Other
"The ship would continue on to the Canary Islands."
— Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove , Academic
"We do know that some of the cases had very close contact with each other and certainly human-to-human transmission can’t be ruled out so as a precaution this is what we are assuming."
— Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove , Academic
"The risk to the general public is low."
— Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove , Academic
Key People
A 24-year-old man who was one of the victims in the bus crash.
WHO official discussing hantavirus transmission.
WHO’s director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness.
A Dutch couple who were among the passengers on the cruise ship affected by hantavirus.
A German male passenger who died due to hantavirus on the cruise ship.
Passenger on the MV Hondius who commented on the situation.
The WHO’s epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention director.
Passenger on the MV Hondius who provided footage of the situation.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
Two cases of the virus, which rarely spreads between humans, have been confirmed on the ship, and three people have died.
The World Health Organization reports two confirmed and five suspected hantavirus cases aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, with three deaths and one critically ill passenger.
The World Health Organization suggests that human-to-human transmission of hantavirus may have occurred aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, where two cases are confirmed and five are suspected.
The World Health Organization reports seven cases of hantavirus, including two confirmed and five suspected, aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, with three deaths and one critically ill passenger.
The MV Hondius cruise ship, carrying nearly 150 people, remains off the coast of Cape Verde after a suspected hantavirus outbreak resulted in three deaths and several illnesses.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
'What terminal cancer has taught me about life'
A Gloucestershire man with terminal cancer shares the life lessons he wishes he'd learned sooner.
October 10, 2026 at 06:16 AMAsbestos mystery leaves beloved beach closed
With Mount Batten Beach fenced off since July, residents and campaigners are demanding answers.
October 10, 2026 at 06:16 AMWhat happens when you don't know your family medical history?
People who have been adopted or in care sometimes struggle to access family medical history which would be crucial to their own health.
October 10, 2026 at 05:45 AMQuestions remain over Ebola patient who travelled across three nations undetected
Fresh details reveal how the 40-year-old businessman flew and crossed regional borders while seriously ill.
October 10, 2026 at 12:00 AMUS FDA approves Asahi Kasei's drug for persistent herpes infections - Reuters
US FDA approves Asahi Kasei's drug for persistent herpes infections Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 06:01 PMUS measles cases rise to 4,080, CDC says - Reuters
US measles cases rise to 4,080, CDC says Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 05:45 PM