A concise guide to the cruise ship cases, how hantaviruses transmit and the measures to protect yourself and your household
The recent cluster of illnesses aboard the Dutch vessel MV Hondius has drawn public attention to a group of rodent-borne infections collectively known as hantaviruses. At the time of early reports, three passengers had died and two cases were confirmed with an additional five suspected.
Public health authorities are monitoring the situation closely: the ship arrived in waters off Cape Verde on 3 May, and laboratories confirmed the strain involved as the Andes virus on 6 May. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been issuing advice and coordinating with international partners while stressing that the overall risk to the UK population remains very low.
The purpose of this article is to translate official updates into practical information. You will find an explanation of how hantaviruses transmit, which strains are relevant to the UK, what typical symptoms look like and the sensible precautions recommended by experts.
The UKHSA blog was last updated on Friday 8 May 2026, and its guidance—for example, dedicated repatriation plans and a recommended isolation period for passengers—frames the current public health response. Read on for clear, evidence-based steps you can follow at home and when travelling.
How hantaviruses spread and why rodent species matter
Hantaviruses are carried by rodents such as mice, voles and rats. The core transmission route to humans is through inhaling aerosolized particles from dried rodent urine, droppings or saliva — in other words, breathe-in exposure to contaminated dust. The term person-to-person transmission typically does not apply to most hantavirus strains; however, the Andes virus—identified in this outbreak—has been documented to spread between people in rare, close-contact circumstances. In contrast, the UK has historically detected the Seoul virus, a strain mainly associated with brown rats and pet rats, which is not known to transmit from person to person.
Andes vs Seoul: differences that matter
The two strains differ in clinical and epidemiological behavior. The Andes virus, endemic to parts of South America, primarily affects the lungs and in some outbreaks has shown limited human-to-human spread. The Seoul virus—present in the UK—tends to impact the kidneys and is associated with pet and wild brown rats. Experts have noted that for a strain like Andes to become established in a new region, it would have to find a sustainable rodent host population locally, which public health specialists consider an unlikely scenario in the UK.
Symptoms, clinical course and medical response
Initial signs of infection can resemble other common illnesses: fever, profound fatigue, muscle aches and gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Symptoms generally appear within two to four weeks after exposure, although cases with longer incubation periods have been reported. After this prodrome, more severe respiratory problems can develop rapidly; coughing, shortness of breath and fluid accumulation in the lungs may require urgent hospital care. For Andes virus infections, historical mortality estimates have varied, but modern supportive care, including respiratory support, improves outcomes. There is currently no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections; management is supportive and guided by clinical needs.
Case examples and lessons learned
Past investigations illustrate typical exposure patterns. In one high-profile case, an environmental inspection of a household with severe illness found rodent nests and droppings in outbuildings and machinery, pointing to wilderness or rural exposure as the likely source. Such findings reinforce that routine, repeated contact with rodent-infested areas raises the chance of infection. Public health teams now emphasize rapid identification, appropriate isolation of close contacts and targeted cleaning practices to reduce risk.
Practical precautions for households and travellers
Simple measures significantly lower exposure risk. If you find rodent droppings or nests, experts advise dampening the area with water or a disinfectant solution before cleaning to avoid stirring up dust, then using disposable gloves, a mask and eye protection. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings. For travellers and those who may have been aboard the MV Hondius, the UKHSA is arranging dedicated repatriation and has recommended that passengers who return to the UK isolate for 45 days while health teams monitor them. Routine public settings like shops and workplaces do not pose a transmission risk for hantavirus to the general population.
Finally, remain informed through official sources such as the UKHSA and the World Health Organization. If you or a household member develop persistent fever, breathlessness or severe flu-like symptoms after potential exposure to rodents or close contact with a confirmed case, seek medical advice promptly and explain the possible exposure. Following sensible hygiene, rodent-proofing your property and using protective steps when clearing infested spaces will reduce risk without causing unnecessary alarm.
