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In light of international reporting about a cluster of Hantavirus cases on the international cruise ship MV Hondius, the Disease Prevention Department of the Ministry of Health updated the latest information on the afternoon of May 13.
The World Health Organization (WHO), citing public statements, reported that as of May 8, 2026, the cluster on MV Hondius has recorded eight cases, including three deaths. Six cases tested positive for Hantavirus, all identified as the Andes virus (ANDV).
WHO assesses the risk to passengers and crew on the ship as moderate, while the risk to the global population is low. WHO also emphasized that Hantavirus transmission differs from Covid-19 and that it will continue to monitor epidemiological developments and update risk assessments.
Regarding the source of infection, WHO said investigations are ongoing. Current hypotheses suggest the first case may have contracted the virus through environmental exposure or outdoor rodent contact before boarding; subsequently, limited human-to-human transmission may have occurred on the ship through close and prolonged contact.
Because final investigation results are not yet available, WHO advised the public not to infer the source of infection from the ship, food, drinking water, or other factors without official information.
WHO advised that those on the ship and related flights should monitor their health for 42 days after the last potential exposure. The guidance includes watching for early symptoms such as headache, dizziness, chills, fever, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal issues including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, along with frequent hand hygiene.
For high-risk contacts, WHO recommends active monitoring and isolation at home or in an appropriate facility for 42 days after the last exposure. Isolation is not advised for low-risk contacts, who should self-monitor and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
According to the Disease Prevention Department, to date no Vietnamese citizens have been linked to the cluster. The department has issued a directive urging local authorities to strengthen border surveillance, monitor health facilities, sanitize and disinfect vehicles, and implement appropriate preventive measures.
For Vietnam, Hantavirus infection is not a completely new concern in surveillance. However, based on available scientific information, Vietnam has not recorded a case of Andes virus. Earlier studies in Vietnam have mainly documented evidence related to other Hantavirus strains, such as Seoul virus or Hantaviruses detected in animals.
The Ministry of Health urged the public to avoid panic and to follow official information, noting that the cruise ship cluster should not be inferred as indicating a wider outbreak in Vietnam.
The Ministry urged continued environmental sanitation and rodent control to prevent rodent-borne diseases, as previously advised. If, after exposure to rodents, rodent feces, or areas with rodent traces, symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, fatigue, digestive disturbances, cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath occur, people should promptly seek medical attention and inform clinicians of their exposure history for appropriate advice, examination, and treatment.
The Ministry said it will continue coordinating with WHO and other agencies to update developments, assess risks, and implement appropriate responses, and will provide timely information to the public when new developments arise.
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