WHO: Hantavirus outbreak remains contained as no new deaths recorded

THE World Health Organization has said no new deaths linked to the recent cruise ship-associated hantavirus outbreak have been reported since May 2, as international health officials continue efforts to contain the rare virus and monitor passengers and crew members across multiple countries.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said a total of 11 cases had been reported to the agency as of May 12, with eight laboratory-confirmed infections involving the Andes virus strain.

In a statement posted on X, Tedros said health authorities were continuing to assess the situation closely but maintained that the overall global public health risk remained low.

“WHO continues to assess the risk to the global population as low,” Bernama-Anadolu reported him saying on Thursday.

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease commonly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their urine and droppings.

However, the Andes virus strain linked to the current outbreak is unusual because it can also spread between humans through prolonged close contact, particularly in enclosed environments.

Tedros said one additional suspected case remained under further laboratory investigation.

The WHO chief added that the agency was maintaining close coordination with health experts and authorities from all countries involved in the outbreak response.

He said WHO continued receiving weekly health updates concerning passengers and crew members through official International Health Regulations reporting channels.

Tedros also stressed that international coordination efforts were ongoing to support public health protection measures and prevent wider transmission of the virus. - May 14, 2026