In the Americas, infection can lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, a serious respiratory illness.
In May 2026, WHO was notified of a multi‑country cluster of hantavirus infections linked to an expedition cruise ship.
This webinar will share what is known about hantavirus, including the global and country perspectives, and what this event means for public health and community protection.
ObjectivesTo provide an up‑to‑date overview of hantavirus, including the current multi‑country event, and to discuss its implications for public health.
Agenda and SpeakersIntroduction: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHOWelcome remarks: Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Director a.i., Epidemic and pandemic management department (EPM), WHOOverview: Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, Head (a.i.
Wednesday, 20 May 2026, 13:00–14:00 (CEST)
Background
Hantaviruses are rodent‑borne viruses that can cause severe and sometimes fatal disease in humans, primarily through exposure to contaminated rodent excreta. In the Americas, infection can lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, a serious respiratory illness.
In May 2026, WHO was notified of a multi‑country cluster of hantavirus infections linked to an expedition cruise ship. As of 13 May, 11 cases, including three deaths, had been reported, associated with Andes virus—a strain capable of limited human‑to‑human transmission through close contact.
WHO is coordinating the international response under the International Health Regulations (2005), including information sharing, contact tracing support, and ongoing risk assessment. The overall risk to the general population is currently considered low, but the event highlights the importance of preparedness, surveillance and clear risk communication.
This webinar will share what is known about hantavirus, including the global and country perspectives, and what this event means for public health and community protection.
Objectives
To provide an up‑to‑date overview of hantavirus, including the current multi‑country event, and to discuss its implications for public health.
Agenda and Speakers
Introduction: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO
Welcome remarks: Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Director a.i., Epidemic and pandemic management department (EPM), WHO
Overview: Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, Head (a.i.), Emerging Zoonosis and High Impact Epidemics, Epidemic and pandemic Management Department (EPM), WHO
Surveillance: Dr Boris Pavlin, Team Lead, Health Emergency Alert & Response Operations Department, WHE
Country experience: Spain: Dr Javier Padilla Bernáldez, Secretary of State for Health, Spain
Community protection and Behavioural insights: UK experience: Prof Richard Amlot, Deputy Director, Behavioural Science and Insights unit, UK Health Security Agency
Interactive Q&A with speakers
Closing and next EPI-WIN: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO
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