The World Health Organisation said the hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean is expected to remain limited
May 7, 2026: World Health Organization on Thursday sought to calm fears surrounding the recent hantavirus outbreak, stating that the situation is not similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns had grown after at least eight cases of hantavirus were confirmed following an outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
During a press conference, WHO director Maria Van Kerkhove stressed that hantavirus is a known virus that has existed for many years and differs significantly from COVID-19. She stated that the current outbreak remains confined to the cruise ship and its passengers, adding that there is no indication of widespread global transmission at this stage.
WHO emergency alert and response director Abdi Rahman Mahamud also said experts expect the outbreak to remain limited if proper public health measures are followed. He emphasised that cooperation and coordination between countries would be important in containing the situation and preventing further spread.