WHO says six hantavirus cases confirmed so far

A handout photograph released by the World Health Organisation on May 7, 2026, shows WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressing a virtual press conference from the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva on a cluster of hantavirus cases linked to cruise ship travel (AFP photo)
A handout photograph released by the World Health Organisation on May 7, 2026, shows WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressing a virtual press conference from the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva on a cluster of hantavirus cases linked to cruise ship travel (AFP photo)

GENEVA — There are six confirmed cases of hantavirus so far out of eight suspected ones following an outbreak on a cruise ship, the World Health Organisation said Friday.

"As of 8 May, a total of eight cases, including three deaths [case fatality ratio 38%] , have been reported. Six cases have been laboratory-confirmed as hantavirus infections, with all identified as Andes virus [ANDV]," it said in a statement.

"WHO assesses the risk to the global population posed by this event as low and will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and update the risk assessment".

"The risk for passengers and crew on the ship is considered moderate," it added.

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