Hantavirus

Promising hantavirus vaccine research stalled by funding gap before outbreak

Promising early results have been put on the back burner despite renewed global concern following a deadly cruise ship outbreak.

|ByASHER SMITH
Medics work outside of the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was affected by a hantavirus outbreak, after it arrived at the Port of Rotterdam, where Dutch authorities are preparing quarantine arrangements, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, May 18, 2026.
A police boat approaches the cruise ship MV Hondius at the port of Granadilla de Abona after being affected by a hantavirus outbreak, in Tenerife, Spain, May 10, 2026.

Hantavirus-hit cruise ship due to arrive at Rotterdam port as final destination

Crew, passengers who already left the ship, and ⁠people in contact with them have been quarantined in several countries around the world.

|ByREUTERS
It is possible to completely get rid of the virus

All 26 people under observation for hantavirus in France tested negative, health minister says

"These 26 people will continue to be medically monitored and tested three times a week," she wrote. "Health authorities will no longer communicate these results, except if there is a positive test."

|ByREUTERS, MIRIAM SELA-EITAM
A person wearing a mask stands aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius at the port of Granadilla de Abona after being affected by a hantavirus outbreak, in Tenerife, Spain, May 10, 2026.

American oncologist steps in after ship doctor falls ill in hantavirus outbreak

In an interview with ABC News, Dr. Stephen Kornfeld said he quickly realized he was leading the response to the full-blown medical crisis on board the ship.

|ByESTHER DAVIS

One US citizen tests mildly positive for hantavirus, another has mild symptoms

The two passengers suspected of being infected will be taken to another undisclosed location, where they will also undergo further testing for the virus.

MAY 11, 2026ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
A police boat approaches the cruise ship MV Hondius at the port of Granadilla de Abona after being affected by a hantavirus outbreak, in Tenerife, Spain, May 10, 2026.

British paratroopers lead airdrop onto Tristan da Cunha for suspected hantavirus case

The operation is the first time the UK military has deployed medical personnel to provide humanitarian support via a parachute jump, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

MAY 10, 2026ByREUTERS
An ICU Nurse and a paratrooper jump from 16 Air Assault Brigade to provide medical support to people , after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Friday confirmed one suspected case of Hantavirus of a British national on Tristan da Cunha, Britain, May 9, 2026.

First group of Spanish passengers disembarks from hantavirus-hit cruise ship

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived on Saturday evening in Tenerife alongside Spain's interior and health ministers and its minister for territorial policy.

MAY 10, 2026ByREUTERS
A police boat approaches the cruise ship MV Hondius at the port of Granadilla de Abona after being affected by a hantavirus outbreak, in Tenerife, Spain, May 10, 2026.

New suspected hantavirus cases found in Spain and remote Tristan da Cunha

The announcements in locations thousands of miles apart will fuel concern, though the WHO has repeatedly said the risk to the public is low and the virus does not transmit easily.

MAY 8, 2026ByREUTERS
Exterior of the emergency unit area of Sant Joan university hospital where a woman with symptoms consistent with a hantavirus infection is being treated, according to local media, in Alicante, Spain May 8, 2026.

US response to hantavirus outbreak could be hindered by withdrawal from WHO - NBC

Health experts warn that both the CDC and the WHO may face disadvantages from a lack of cooperation between the two organizations.

MAY 8, 2026ByARIELLA ROITMAN
A test tube labelled "Hantavirus positive" label and World Health Organization logo are seen in this illustration taken May 7, 2026.