WHO Update: No New Deaths from Hantavirus Outbreak Since May 2nd
The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided the latest update on the hantavirus outbreak related to a cruise ship. As of Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, the WHO confirmed that no new deaths have been reported since May 2nd.
The Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated via a social media post on X that the total number of reported cases to the global health agency has reached 11 as of May 12th, 2026.
Of the total reported cases, Ghebreyesus detailed that eight cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing as infections caused by the Andes virus. Meanwhile, one additional case is currently undergoing further laboratory testing to confirm the type of infection.
Hantavirus is known as a rare disease that is generally transmitted through infected rodents or their droppings. However, the Andes virus strain responsible for the current outbreak has a specific characteristic: the ability to spread between humans through prolonged close contact, especially in enclosed environments.
Despite the reported cases, the WHO has officially stated that the public health risk to the global population is currently assessed as low.
The WHO continues to maintain intensive communication with experts from the countries involved in managing the cases. Weekly health reports on the condition of passengers and crew members are continuously received through the official channels of the International Health Regulations.
Ghebreyesus affirmed that international coordination efforts remain ongoing to support public health protection measures. This step is taken to ensure that the outbreak remains controlled and does not spread to other areas.
Although the global risk is low, the public is still advised to be vigilant against risk factors for transmission, especially those related to interactions in enclosed environments and contact with virus-carrying vectors. (Ant/Anadolu/H-3)
Belarus records an average of 50 hantavirus cases each year with HFRS symptoms. Learn about the link between this outbreak and the case on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
The Ministry of Health has alerted 51 Health Quarantine Stations to prevent Hantavirus. Learn about the differences between the HPS type on the MV Hondius and HFRS in Indonesia.
The last two evacuation flights carrying passengers and crew from the MV Hondius cruise ship due to the Hantavirus outbreak have landed at Eindhoven Air Base, Netherlands.
Australia has confirmed that six passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship who were exposed to hantavirus are in stable condition and will undergo strict quarantine for up to 42 days to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed that a foreign national in Jakarta who was in close contact with a case of hantavirus from the MV Hondius has tested negative based on PCR tests and monitoring at the Sulianti Saroso Hospital.
Belarus records an average of 50 hantavirus cases each year with HFRS symptoms. Learn about the link between this outbreak and the case on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
The East Kalimantan Health Office has instructed 10 regencies/cities to be vigilant against Hantavirus following confirmation on the Hondius cruise ship. Learn about prevention measures and symptoms here.
Therefore, the North Sumatra Health Office has asked the public in its area to implement Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors (PHBS) and maintain cleanliness in homes, warehouses, and gardens.
The Riau Islands Provincial Government, through the Riau Islands Provincial Health Office, has increased vigilance against the potential entry of Hantavirus.
Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Irma Suryani, reminded the public to be vigilant against hantavirus by maintaining environmental cleanliness and strengthening socialization of Germas (Community Health Movement).
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