Twelfth Hantavirus Case Confirmed on Cruise Ship MV Hondius

Friday, 22 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

A new confirmed case of hantavirus has been reported aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, bringing the total number of suspected and confirmed cases to 12. The affected crew member disembarked in Tenerife, Spain. Hantavirus is a rare viral disease typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, and it is not spread through person-to-person contact in most cases. Tourists arriving in Crete on cruise ships should be aware of ongoing health monitoring across European ports. If you are traveling on a cruise and experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or muscle aches, seek medical attention promptly and inform staff of your recent travel history. Crete has medical facilities in Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno equipped to handle health concerns. Standard hygiene precautions remain the best preventive measure.