Since late April 2026, a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius has put French and international health authorities on alert. With 11 confirmed or probable cases, including 3 deaths, and a French passenger hospitalized in intensive care in Paris, this crisis reveals the threat posed by the Andes virus, a rare but particularly deadly strain.

The MV Hondius, the starting point of the crisis

It all began on April 1, 2026, when the MV Hondius left the port of Ushuaïa, Argentina, for a cruise to Antarctica. On board were around 150 passengers and crew members from 23 different nationalities, including many French, Spanish, British and American travelers.

The first symptoms appeared in several passengers during the voyage. The first death was Léo Schilperoord, a Dutch ornithologist, on April 11 aboard the ship. His wife died in turn on April 25 in South Africa. A third German passenger died on May 2. In total, eleven cases — eight confirmed and two probable — were identified in connection with this cruise, according to the assessment established on May 11, 2026 by the WHO.

The Andes virus: a rare and formidable strain

Hantavirus is usually transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents (their droppings, urine or saliva), without person-to-person transmission. The Andes virus is a notable exception: it is one of the rare hantaviruses for which human-to-human transmission has already been documented. This characteristic is what makes the MV Hondius situation so concerning.

Symptoms and course of the disease

The illness usually begins with:

• High fever
• Muscle and joint pain
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Severe headaches

Within a few days, the situation can worsen rapidly and progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), often fatal. The fatality rate of the Andes virus is estimated at between 30 and 50%, making it statistically one of the deadliest infectious diseases.

No specific curative treatment

To date, there is no approved antiviral treatment against the Andes virus. Care is essentially symptomatic: respiratory support and management of hemodynamic shock in intensive care. Clinical trials are under way, but no drug has yet received marketing authorization for this indication.

Cases in France: a passenger in intensive care at Bichat

A French national who took part in the cruise developed symptoms during her return flight and tested positive for the Andes virus. She was admitted to intensive care at Bichat Hospital in Paris. As of May 12, 2026, her condition was being closely monitored by medical teams.

Twenty-two French contact cases were also identified and placed under epidemiological surveillance. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said they “are doing very well and have no symptoms,” adding that at that date there was “no evidence of virus circulation on national territory.”

A ministerial order dated May 9, 2026 requires that any passenger who stayed on the MV Hondius between April 1 and May 10 undergo a medical assessment upon arrival in France.

The response from health authorities

In response to the situation, French and international authorities quickly mobilized their surveillance systems:

• The WHO published an international alert and closely monitored the development of the situation. Its director-general stated on May 12 that there was “no sign pointing to a wider epidemic.”
• The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) considers the risk “low for the general population” but “moderate for cruise passengers.”
• France has strengthened its stocks of masks and PCR tests adapted to the Andes virus, and has mobilized its intensive care teams.

“France is ready to face the situation in terms of masks, PCR tests and medicines.”
— Stéphanie Rist, Minister of Health, May 11, 2026

What risks for the French population?

The risk of infection for the general population remains very low. The Andes virus is not circulating on French territory: it is endemic in South America, mainly in Argentina, Chile and Andean countries. Outside a specific exposure (contact with infected rodents in an endemic area, or close contact with a confirmed case), the French public has no reason to be alarmed.

However, people who have recently traveled to South America — especially Patagonia — and who show flu-like symptoms should consult a doctor quickly and report their itinerary.

How to protect yourself?

In endemic areas (South America), prevention recommendations remain simple but essential:

• Avoid any contact with rodents and their droppings
• Do not stay in infested areas without appropriate protection
• Ventilate and disinfect potentially contaminated premises before entering
• Wear an FFP2 mask and gloves when cleaning risk areas
• Do not camp near burrows or rodent shelters

In the event of contact with a confirmed case of Andes virus, preventive isolation and mask wearing are recommended because of the risk of human-to-human transmission.

A crisis that recalls the importance of global health vigilance

The MV Hondius episode perfectly illustrates how a localized health threat — a group of tourists in Antarctica — can, within a few weeks, become a concern for several nations and trigger a coordinated international response. Global epidemiological vigilance, rapid information sharing and preparedness of health systems remain the best tools to contain this type of crisis before it spirals.

For travelers, this event is also a reminder: informing your doctor about risky itineraries and never minimizing unusual symptoms after returning from an endemic area can literally save lives.