Hantavirus Spreads Beyond Ship: Swiss Case Confirmed as MV Hondius Heads for Spain

Outbreak Reaches Switzerland

The hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has spread beyond the vessel, with health authorities in Switzerland confirming a case in a former passenger now being treated in isolation at University Hospital Zurich. The patient developed severe breathing problems and tested positive for the virus. Contact tracing is now underway to identify anyone the patient may have been in contact with since leaving the ship.

French authorities are separately attempting to identify and screen travellers who may have passed through France after disembarking, as the vessel carried passengers from more than 20 countries.

The Andes Strain — Unusually Contagious

The World Health Organisation has confirmed that the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus — a rare and particularly concerning variant because, unlike most hantaviruses, it can spread between people through very close contact. Most strains of hantavirus are transmitted only through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine or saliva and do not pass person to person.

Experts believe the virus likely originated through contact with infected rodent droppings during stops in South America, but the close living conditions on board the ship may have allowed limited person-to-person transmission among passengers.

Three Dead, Two Evacuated in Serious Condition

At least three deaths have now been linked to the outbreak: two elderly Dutch passengers and a German citizen, all of whom died on board. Two passengers were evacuated in serious condition to the Netherlands. A British doctor on board was also redirected to the Netherlands after his condition improved.

Spain Prepares Quarantine in the Canary Islands

The MV Hondius is still heading toward the Canary Islands. Spain's health officials have confirmed they are monitoring the situation in coordination with the WHO, and strict quarantine measures are being prepared ahead of the vessel's arrival. Spain's Health Minister Mónica García has been in contact with international health bodies throughout the developing situation.

The outbreak is now being treated as an international public health event, with multiple European countries involved in contact tracing and passenger monitoring.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published May 6, 2026.