ECDC is monitoring suspected hantavirus cases associated with a cruise ship in the Atlantic

ECDC is monitoring suspected cases of hantavirus infection, including three deaths, associated with a cruise ship traveling in the Atlantic.

In brief

ECDC announces that it is monitoring suspected cases of hantavirus infection associated with a cruise ship from the Atlantic.

The reported cases include three deaths, according to information published by the European agency.

ECDC is in contact with relevant national public health authorities and the World Health Organization.

The agency is assessing the available epidemiological information, the source of the infection, and the risk of possible further transmission in Europe.

Hantavirus is transmitted by rodents, through particles from contaminated urine, feces, or saliva.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, ECDC, announced on May 4, 2026, that it is monitoring suspected cases of hantavirus infection, including three deaths, associated with a cruise ship traveling in the Atlantic.

The European agency specifies that it is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with relevant national public health authorities and the World Health Organization.

ECDC is analyzing the available epidemiological information to identify the source of the infection and to assess any potential risk of further transmission in Europe.

The agency has stated that it will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Hantavirus is transmitted by rodents. According to ECDC, there are several types of hantavirus, each associated with a specific type of rodent.

Humans can become infected when they inhale particles from the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.

Hantavirus infection can cause three main types of disease, depending on the strain of the virus. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is characterized by fever, bleeding tendencies, and kidney problems, and occurs mainly in Europe and Asia.

Epidemic nephropathy is a condition that affects the kidneys and occurs in Europe.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome affects the heart and lungs, leading to respiratory and cardiac problems, and occurs in America.

ECDC has not announced, in the information published so far, the name of the ship, the ports involved, the nationality of the affected individuals, or a conclusion regarding the source of the infection.

ECDC is the European Union agency responsible for the surveillance, assessment, and communication of risks related to communicable diseases.

Monitoring cases associated with a cruise ship is of European relevance as passengers and crews may come from multiple countries, and ships may make stops at different ports. In such situations, coordination between national authorities, ECDC, and the World Health Organization is necessary to establish the source, verify exposure, and assess the risk of transmission.

In the case of hantavirus, the risk is mainly related to indirect contact with infected rodents or materials contaminated by them. Available information indicates an ongoing investigation, not a final conclusion regarding the exact location or manner in which exposure occurred.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/ecdc-monitorizeaza-cazuri-suspecte-de-hantavirus-asociate-cu-o-nava-de-croaziera-in-atlantic