After more than two months of monitoring, the World Health Organization (WHO) has just released the latest information about an outbreak caused by the Andes Hanta strain (ANDV) virus that broke out on the cruise ship MV Hondius. Although it once caused 13 people to get sick and claimed the lives of 3 people, WHO affirms that the outbreak has now been controlled and is no longer a public health risk.
According to WHO, from May 2 to July 2, 2026, a total of 13 cases related to the outbreak were recorded, including 12 confirmed cases of Andes virus and 1 suspected case. Among these, 10 patients had to be hospitalized, 8 people had recovered and been discharged, and 2 cases are still being treated.
It is noteworthy that all cases were present on the ship MV Hondius. After completing a 42-day health monitoring period for people in close contact, the health agency did not detect any more secondary infections. WHO assessed that the transmission chain had been cut off and the outbreak had been successfully controlled.
The Andes virus is a strain of the Hanta virus group, circulating in some South American countries. Unlike many other Hanta strains, the Andes has the ability to transmit from person to person but at a limited level, mainly during close and prolonged contact. WHO believes that the closed environment on cruise ships is a favorable factor for the transmission chain to appear in the recent outbreak.
Immediately after information about the cluster of cases on the MV Hondius ship appeared, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health strengthened surveillance at border gates, medical examination and treatment facilities, and at the same time requested localities to implement measures to control rats and rodents - a common source of Hanta virus.
The Ministry of Health said that so far Vietnam has not recorded any cases of Andes virus and there are no Vietnamese citizens related to the outbreak on the MV Hondius ship. Current scientific data shows that our country previously only recorded some evidence of other Hanta virus strains such as Seoul virus or strains detected in animals.
Although the risk from the outbreak has ended, the Ministry of Health still recommends that people not be subjective. People need to maintain environmental hygiene, control rats and rodents, avoid contact with rats or rat waste. When signs such as fever, muscle pain, fatigue, digestive disorders, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath appear after exposure, it is necessary to go to a medical facility for examination and timely treatment.
The Ministry of Health said it will continue to coordinate with WHO to closely monitor the developments of Hanta virus diseases in the world to promptly assess risks and implement measures to protect public health.
