WHO Updates Hantavirus Case Count to 10 Global Cases; MV Hondius Crew Remains Symptom-Free

The World Health Organization confirmed 10 global hantavirus cases arising from an outbreak aboard the MV Hondius, a Dutch luxury cruise ship that departed Argentina on a polar expedition. The count was revised downward from 11 after one inconclusive case was confirmed negative. Eight cases are laboratory-confirmed and two are probable; three deaths have been reported. The Andes virus strain responsible can transmit between humans during prolonged close contact in enclosed settings. The ship's captain and 26-crew members remain asymptomatic and under monitoring, though WHO warns additional cases may emerge as passengers return home given the six-week incubation period. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized global risk remains low and control measures are effective. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress within one to eight weeks of exposure; severe cases progress to respiratory compromise. No approved vaccines or antivirals exist; treatment remains supportive.