The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed nine cases of hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak, warning of potential further infections due to the virus's incubation period. Hantaviruses primarily infect rodents and can lead to serious conditions in humans, including hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The Andes strain is unique for its limited human-to-human transmission. Infection occurs through contact with contaminated rodent excretions, with a low risk for the general population. Symptoms typically appear one to eight weeks post-exposure, and while infections are uncommon, the case fatality rate can be significant in the Americas. Recent data shows a decline in cases in Europe.