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Prediction market on metaculus. [Hantavirus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hantavirus_infection) is the disease caused by the Orthohantavirus genus of viruses carried by rodents. Human infections usually occur through contact with aerosolized urine, droppings, or saliva from infected rodents, though rare person-to-person transmission has been documented for the [Andes virus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andes_virus), a hantavirus found in parts of South America. Hantavirus infection can cause severe disease, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which can progress rapidly and has a high fatality rate. In May 2026, WHO [reported](https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON599) a cluster of hantavirus cases linked to the [MV *Hondius*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Hondius) cruise ship. As of WHO's 7 May update, eight cases had been reported, including three deaths, and five cases had been laboratory-confirmed. WHO stated that it was supporting affected countries with surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention guidance, and medical evacuation coordination. A [Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_health_emergency_of_international_concern) is WHO’s highest formal alert under the International Health Regulations. It refers to an extraordinary event that poses a public health risk to other countries through international spread and may require a coordinated international response. Past PHEICs have been declared for events such as H1N1 influenza, polio, Ebola, Zika, COVID-19, and mpox.
Resolves: 1/1/2027.