The Spanish Ministry of Health, in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO), has completed the complex evacuation of passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius. As of today, May 12, 2026, the situation has escalated with new confirmed cases as repatriated passengers reach their home countries.
Current Outbreak Status (as of May 12, 2026)
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Confirmed Cases: 9 (including passengers from the US, France, and Switzerland).
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Fatalities: 3 deaths reported since the outbreak began in April.
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The Strain: Laboratory results confirm the Andes virus (ANDV). This is the only hantavirus strain documented to spread via human-to-human transmission, typically requiring close or prolonged contact.
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Repatriation: Over 100 passengers of 23 nationalities have been evacuated from the ship in Tenerife and flown to their respective countries via chartered flights.
Nepal Health Ministry on “High Alert”
While no cases have been detected in Nepal, the Department of Health Services (DoHS) has issued a circular to international transit points, specifically Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
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Screening Protocols: Health desks at TIA have been instructed to monitor passengers arriving from European hubs (specifically Amsterdam, Paris, and Madrid) and South Africa.
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Traveler Tracking: Officials are particularly focused on any individuals who may have been in the South Atlantic region or on connecting flights from Johannesburg or St. Helena in late April, where disembarked passengers from the ship first traveled.
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45-Day Vigilance: Because the incubation period for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) can be as long as six weeks, health officials are advising recent international travelers to monitor for high fever, severe muscle aches, and respiratory distress.
What You Need to Know
“This is not another COVID-19,” stated WHO officials, emphasizing that while the Andes strain can spread between people, it does not move with the same ease or speed as respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Symptoms to Watch For:
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Early Phase: Fatigue, fever, and muscle aches (thighs, hips, back).
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Late Phase (4-10 days later): Coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup in the lungs.
Advice for Nepali Citizens: There is currently no restriction on general travel. However, if you have recently returned from South America or Western Europe and develop flu-like symptoms, health officials urge you to visit a hospital immediately and disclose your full travel history.