12/05/2026
Israel’s Health Ministry says it is closely monitoring the outbreak of the rare Andes strain hantavirus linked to passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.
According to health officials, nine passengers developed symptoms, seven cases were laboratory-confirmed, and three people have died since the outbreak began in late April. Authorities stressed there were no Israelis on board and said the risk of the virus spreading globally or reaching Israel remains extremely low.