Hantavirus Countries 2026 — Where Is Hantavirus Right Now?
The 2026 Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has reached 12+ countries across Europe, North America, Africa, and South America. Below is a country-by-country breakdown of confirmed cases, monitoring status, and exposure areas.
Ship operator home country. Multiple passengers evacuated to Dutch hospitals. RIVM leading national response.
Source: WHO, ECDC
UK nationals among passengers. UKHSA monitoring confirmed cases and tracing contacts.
Source: WHO, UKHSA
At least one American passenger tested positive (May 11, 2026). CDC activated response protocols.
Source: ANSA, CDC
German nationals on board. RKI monitoring contacts and possible cases.
Source: WHO
One patient hospitalized and isolated in Zurich, PCR-positive for Andes virus (WHO DON-600).
Source: WHO
French nationals among passengers and crew. Santé Publique France monitoring.
Source: WHO
MV Hondius docked at Granadilla, Tenerife (May 10). Spanish health authorities coordinated disembarkation.
Source: ECDC
One patient admitted to ICU in Johannesburg (WHO DON-600). Linked to same-flight contact tracing.
Source: WHO
Likely initial exposure area. Andes virus is endemic in rodent populations in Patagonia and Ushuaia.
Source: WHO, ECDC
Medical evacuation flights departed Cabo Verde on May 6–7. Local authorities assisted with patient transfer.
Source: WHO
Passengers disembarked here. Contact tracing initiated for those who shared flights with confirmed cases.
Source: WHO
Canadian nationals reported among passengers. PHAC monitoring.
Source: WHO
Risk Assessment for the General Public
WHO, ECDC, and CDC all assess the risk to the general public as LOW. The 2026 outbreak is a contained cluster linked to the MV Hondius voyage — it is not a community-spreading epidemic. Andes virus person-to-person transmission requires prolonged close contact. If you were not on board the MV Hondius, your personal risk is negligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries have hantavirus in 2026?
Confirmed cases have been reported in Netherlands, UK, USA, Switzerland, and South Africa. Germany, France, Canada, and Saint Helena are monitoring passengers. Spain and Cabo Verde were transit/response points. Argentina is the likely exposure origin.
Where did hantavirus start in 2026?
The 2026 cluster originated aboard the MV Hondius expedition cruise ship, with the initial rodent exposure most likely occurring in Argentina or Chile — regions where Andes virus is endemic in wild rodent populations.
Is hantavirus spreading globally in 2026?
No. The outbreak is contained to individuals linked to the MV Hondius voyage. It is not a globally spreading epidemic. WHO risk assessment for the general public remains low.