The risk level of hantavirus to the general population remains low.

Axar.az reports that WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier made the remarks during a briefing that current findings from an ongoing investigation into a cruise ship outbreak indicate no elevated global risk.

The WHO confirmed that a cluster of severe respiratory illness has been identified aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship carrying 147 passengers and crew. As of 4 May 2026, seven cases have been reported, including two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infections, five suspected cases, and three deaths.

Authorities also reported one critically ill patient and several individuals with mild symptoms. One stewardess who had direct contact with a deceased passenger tested negative for the virus, according to WHO information.

Lindmeier noted that human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is extremely rare and has only been documented in the case of the Andes virus strain, requiring “very close and prolonged contact.”

“This should reassure everyone that while the virus is dangerous, it mainly poses a risk to infected individuals,” he said.

The outbreak is linked to a cruise ship incident involving the vessel MV Hondius, where investigations are ongoing. WHO has assessed the overall global public health risk as low but continues to monitor the situation closely.