A deadly hantavirus outbreak that has killed three people aboard a South American cruise ship has now reached Europe after a Swiss passenger tested positive following his return home, triggering international alarm as nations refuse to allow the stranded vessel to dock.

European Case Confirmed After Passenger Returns Home

Swiss authorities confirmed Wednesday that a male passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship tested positive for hantavirus after returning home to Zurich last month with his wife. The couple had completed a South America trip when cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions emailed recent passengers warning them about the spreading virus. The man sought testing at a Zurich hospital, though his current condition remains unclear. His wife shows no symptoms but is self-isolating as a precaution. Health officials stated there is currently no risk to the Swiss public.

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Three passengers suspected to have the hantavirus were escorted off of the MV Hondius and then transported on an evacuation flight to the Netherlands.

The WHO states that the overall public health risk remains low.

12:40 PM · May 6, 2026

Rare Human-to-Human Transmission Sparks International Crisis

The outbreak appears linked to the Andes virus, a rare hantavirus strain that spreads between people and carries a 40 percent mortality rate. Most hantavirus strains spread only through rodent droppings, making human-to-human transmission particularly alarming. Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization’s director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness, confirmed Tuesday that officials believe human-to-human transmission is occurring among very close contacts. The virus can remain dormant for up to eight weeks, complicating containment efforts. At least five people have fallen ill, with three confirmed deaths according to the WHO.

Political Standoff Over Cruise Ship Docking Rights

The MV Hondius remains stranded in West African waters after Cape Verde denied permission to dock due to health concerns. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez granted docking permission in the Canary Islands, but regional leader Fernando Clavijo rejected the decision. Clavijo told local media he cannot allow the ship to enter, stating the danger to the population is real. The conservative regional leader requested a meeting with the socialist prime minister. Spain’s national government defended the decision, citing moral and legal obligations to assist passengers including Spanish citizens. Under Spain’s constitution, the national government can overrule regional authorities in such disputes.