Multiple checks confirm no Taiwanese nationals among passengers on cruise ship linked to Andes hantavirus cluster; Taiwan CDC to continue close collaboration with WHO and partner countries

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) stated today (May 8) that it had investigated online reports claiming that Taiwanese nationals were among the passengers of an international cruise ship involved in a recent Andes hantavirus cluster. On May 7, 2026, Taiwan CDC contacted the International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Points (NFPs) of the Netherlands and Argentina, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO), to verify whether any Taiwanese nationals had been on board or among the passengers who disembarked early at Saint Helena on April 24. The IHR NFPs of the Netherlands and Argentina replied later that day, at 11 PM and 9 PM respectively, confirming that no Taiwanese nationals were included in the passenger and crew lists.<br /> <br /> Taiwan CDC explained that according to the latest information released by the cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, on May 4, there were a total of 149 passengers and crew members on board, none of whom were Taiwanese. Furthermore, information released during a WHO press conference on May 7 indicated that the passengers who disembarked early at Saint Helena on April 24 were from 12 different countries...