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WHO says hantavirus' risk to wider public remains low after cruise ship outbreak

WHO reassures the public that hantavirus risk remains low despite a deadly outbreak on a cruise ship. Health officials say there is no need for travel restrictions or public panic.

Reuters

May 04, 2026

WHO says hantavirus' risk to wider public remains low after cruise ship outbreak

Healthcare worker holding a stethoscope in a clinical setting, symbolizing medical care and health services courtesy of Welison Franklin/Unsplash via Wix.

Welison Franklin/Unsplash via Wix

The World Health Organization said on Monday that the risk posed by hantavirus to the wider public remained low after three people died and three fell ill after a Netherlands-based cruise ship was hit by a suspected ​outbreak of the rodent-borne virus.


"The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions," said WHO regional director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, in a statement.


-Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, Editing by Miranda Murray/Reuters

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