Global hantavirus outbreak: low current risk for Aotearoa New Zealand

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has issued a public health advisory regarding an ongoing hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. As of 12 May 2026, 11 cases and 3 deaths have been reported globally. The current risk to New Zealand is assessed as low.

The outbreak strain is Andes virus, which is unusual in that it can spread between people through close contact. All MV Hondius passengers are classified as high-risk contacts. New Zealand has never detected hantavirus in humans or animals, and does not have the rodent species known to carry the virus.

What clinicians should look out for

Be alert for hantavirus in patients with a history of travel on MV Hondius or recent time in Argentina or Chile who present with any of the following:

• Fever, headache, or muscle pain
• Respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting)

In severe cases, illness can progress to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) or haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

If hantavirus is suspected, notify your local Medical Officer of Health urgently by phone. Testing is available through your local clinical microbiology service, with PCR samples sent to Australia for processing.

For further information, refer to the full public health advisory (PDF) or visit the Health NZ Hantavirus page and WHO Hantavirus updates.