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Andes Virus News
2026 Outbreak Updates
Chronological timeline of the 2026 Andes virus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius polar expedition cruise. All updates sourced from WHO, CDC, ECDC, and credible news organizations.
Swiss passenger tests positive for Andes strain — cases spread to 23 nationalities
A flight attendant and a Swiss passenger returning from the MV Hondius voyage have both tested positive for Andes virus. The total confirmed case count rises to 8, with 3 confirmed deaths. Health authorities in 23 countries are actively monitoring returned passengers.
READ FULL ARTICLE →WHO issues Disease Outbreak Notice — multi-country Andes virus cluster confirmed
The World Health Organization formally issued Disease Outbreak Notice DON-599 confirming a multi-country cluster of Andes virus disease linked to the MV Hondius polar expedition vessel. WHO Director-General Tedros stated "overall public health risk remains low" but called for active monitoring of all returned passengers.
Andes strain identified — first confirmed person-to-person hantavirus cluster on a vessel
CBC News reports that the Andes strain of hantavirus has been specifically confirmed. NPR and NBC News report that this is the first documented multi-country cluster involving person-to-person Andes virus transmission on a ship. Two additional cases confirmed, bringing total to 5 with 2 deaths.
US CDC confirms monitoring of American passengers from MV Hondius
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed it is actively monitoring American citizens who were passengers aboard the MV Hondius. Similar monitoring announcements were made by health authorities in the EU and Singapore.
First deaths reported — MV Hondius hantavirus cluster identified
The first fatalities from the MV Hondius outbreak are reported. The Antarctic expedition cruise ship is carrying passengers from over 23 nationalities. The vessel is near Cape Verde. Initial case count stands at 3, with 1 confirmed death. Hantavirus is suspected but strain not yet confirmed.
First cases appear aboard MV Hondius in Antarctic waters
The first cluster of illness is identified aboard the polar expedition vessel MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. The ship has passengers from multiple countries who joined in Ushuaia, Argentina — an area where Andes virus is endemic. Initial symptoms resemble severe influenza.