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Hantavirus most contagious at onset of symptoms, WHO warns
The World Health Organization says Andes hantavirus linked to the Hondius outbreak is most infectious at the onset of illness. It calls for a six-week quarantine for about 150 people aboard and cautions that infections may continue to emerge due to the virus’s long incubation period, which can exceed 42 days.
Why It Matters
The finding informs strict quarantine and contact-tracing measures for passengers and crew to prevent further spread, given the potential for early infectiousness and a long incubation period.
Timeline
3 Events
Germany, Britain, Switzerland and Greece impose 45-day quarantines for ship-linked passengers
May 11, 2026
Several countries have opted for 45-day quarantines for passengers linked to the Hondius, as referenced in the WHO briefing.
WHO warns hantavirus is most infectious at onset; six-week quarantine advised for onboard contacts
May 11, 2026
The World Health Organization states that Andes hantavirus is most infectious during the initial stage of illness and recommends six weeks of quarantine for nearly 150 people who were on the Hondius when it arrived near Tenerife. The virus’s incubation period can extend up to 42 days, with infections typically manifesting symptoms after about three weeks, though dormancy is possible. Authorities are urged to isolate potential contacts before symptoms appear due to the early infectiousness and often mild initial symptoms.
MV Hondius arrives near Tenerife as passengers begin evacuation
May 10, 2026
The Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius arrives near Tenerife, with evacuees returning to multiple countries as part of the ongoing response.