On 2 May 2026, a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness aboard a cruise ship was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). At that time, according to the ship operator, 147 passengers and crew were onboard, and 34 passengers and crew had previously disembarked.
Key points
- On 2 May 2026, a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness aboard a cruise ship was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- At that time, according to the ship operator, 147 passengers and crew were onboard, and 34 passengers and crew had previously disembarked.
- On 2 May 2026, WHO received notification from the National IHR Focal Point of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (hereafter referred to as the United Kingdom) regarding a cluster of severe acute respiratory illness, including two deaths and one critically ill passenger, aboard a Dutch-flagged cruise ship.
- Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 4 May, three of the suspected cases were confirmed, and one additional confirmed case was reported.
Why it matters
WHO currently assesses the public health risk related to the cruise ship as moderate, and at the Global level as low for the following reasons: The disease can have a high case fatality ratio, reaching 40-50%, particularly among elderly individuals and those with co-morbidities. The average age of passengers on board the ship is 65 years old.
Public guidance
- WHO advises that States Parties involved in this event continue public health coordination and management efforts on board conveyances and in countries where cases and/or contacts are present or will be returning to.
- This includes contact tracing and monitoring detection, investigation, reporting of suspected cases, laboratory testing of suspected cases, case management, infection prevention and control measures, and clear and transparent communication to affected individuals and the general public.In the context of the current outbreak, people on board the affected ship and flights should practice frequent hand hygiene, monitor any early symptoms, including headache, dizziness, chills, fever, myalgia, and gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, for 42 days after last potential exposure.
- Should any early symptoms or sudden onset of respiratory distress occur, people should immediately inform health authorities and self-isolate until medical evaluation is conducted.