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• Hantavirus infection has been reported on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Hantaviruses are typically transmitted from infected rodents to humans via urine, faeces, or saliva. The cruise travelled through remote South Atlantic and Antarctic regions prior to detection.  

As of 7 May 2026, there are 8 cases, including 3 deaths The current risk to Australia and the global population is assessed as low by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Risk 

• There are no reported cases in Australia. The Australian CDC is working closely with the WHO, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and other government agencies to monitor the situation. 

Public health advice 

• No additional public health actions required in Australia at this stage beyond routine surveillance. 

• Immediately contact your local Public Health Unit (PHU) on 1300 651 160 to report any suspected cases and coordinate diagnostic testing and public health response. 

• Advise travellers to: 

• Take appropriate health precautions to reduce the risk of communicable disease acquisition while travelling. 

• Review destination-specific health and safety advice prior to travel using official sources such as Smartraveller. 

• Avoid contact with rodents, rodent droppings, saliva, urine, and environments where rodents may live. 

• Practice food, water, and hand hygiene, and avoid food or environments where safety and sanitation cannot be assured. 

Visit the Australian Centre for Disease Control update: https://www.cdc.gov.au/newsroom/news-and-articles/hantavirus-risk-australia-remains-low