New Case in Spain Increases Hantavirus Infections from Cruise Ship to 13

The number of hantavirus cases linked to the outbreak on board the cruise ship MV Hondius has reached 13 following the registration of a new infection in Spain, announced World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. This was reported by Reuters.

The new case was identified among passengers already under quarantine, and according to health authorities, the situation remains stable.

“Spain has reported a new case among passengers under quarantine, bringing the total number of cases to 13,” Ghebreyesus wrote on the social network X.

To date, three people have died as a result of the outbreak, but no new deaths have been recorded since May 2. Those infected continue to receive medical care, while other contacts remain under active surveillance and quarantine control.

Over the past two weeks, all remaining passengers, crew members, and medical staff have left the luxury ship, which became the center of an international health operation following the emergence of the disease.

The outbreak attracted the attention of global health authorities due to the identified Andes virus strain—the only known type of hantavirus where limited human-to-human transmission is possible through very close and prolonged contact.

Hantaviruses are typically transmitted through contact with rodents or by inhaling particles from the urine, saliva, or droppings of infected animals. The disease can be severe and lead to serious pulmonary complications, with the severity depending on the specific viral strain.

According to World Health Organization data, between 10,000 and 100,000 cases of hantavirus infections are recorded worldwide annually.

International health institutions continue to track contacts in various countries, while quarantine measures and medical surveillance remain in effect.