Hantavirus outbreak: WHO confirms three deaths, continues international tracing

According to the organization’s latest update, six of the cases have been confirmed as Andes virus, a strain of hantavirus found in South America. Four patients remain hospitalized in South Africa, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, while one previously suspected case was ruled out after testing negative.

The outbreak investigation focuses on passengers and crew members aboard the expedition cruise ship, which departed South America earlier this year. WHO said the first probable case involved a male passenger who had spent more than three months traveling in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay before boarding the vessel on April 1. He later developed symptoms and died on board on April 11.

Subsequent cases included close contacts, crew members, and passengers who later traveled through South Africa, Switzerland and other countries. Health authorities have launched international contact tracing efforts involving several countries, including Argentina, Chile, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

“Epidemiological investigations are underway to determine the source of exposure, including on the travel history and potential exposures of the first case. One expert from WHO, one from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are on board the cruise ship to provide support to the passengers, crews and ship operators during the journey,” the organization said in a social media post. “WHO has developed and shared technical guidance documents in support of countries affected by the event, including covering management of the event on the ship, investigation of cases, disembarkation and management of returning passengers and crew members.”

As of May 8, authorities in South Africa identified 75 contacts linked to one confirmed case, with 42 people under active monitoring. WHO advised countries to focus on early detection, isolation of suspected cases and infection prevention measures, adding that current evidence does not support quarantine or routine testing of asymptomatic contacts.

WHO said hantavirus infections remain relatively uncommon globally and are usually linked to exposure to infected rodents or contaminated environments. Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, gastrointestinal issues, and severe respiratory complications.

According to the data provided in the report, countries in the Americas reported 229 cases and 59 deaths in 2025, while Europe recorded 1,885 infections in 2023. The organization noted that fatality rates vary by region and that, although no specific treatment or vaccine exists, early intensive medical care can improve survival.

As Qazinform News Agency reported earlier, World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said that the risk of Hantavirus spreading to the general population is "absolutely low.”