Hantavirus outbreak not like start of COVID pandemic – WHO
The World Health Organization has said the current hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship off Cabo Verde is serious but not comparable to the early stages of the COVID 19 pandemic. Health officials stressed that, based on what is known about hantaviruses, the risk of a global crisis similar to COVID is low. As of 4 May 2026, seven cases connected to the Dutch flagged MV Hondius cruise ship have been identified, including two laboratory confirmed hantavirus infections and five suspected cases. Three deaths have been recorded, one patient is critically ill, and three others have reported milder symptoms. The affected passengers developed illness between 6 and 28 April, with symptoms such as high fever, stomach upset, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and shock. Investigations so far suggest that initial exposure likely occurred before boarding, with the […]