World braces for ‘generation three’ hantavirus cases: Expert warns we’re days from cruise passengers passing on virus – with possible first case reported in France already | 12 May 2026 | Experts have warned the first “generation-three” cases of hantavirus — which sees cruise passengers pass the disease on to the public — are likely just days away. So far, no cases have been confirmed in people who were not on board the MV Hondius, so there is no evidence that the rat-borne [or lab-generated] virus has spread beyond the confines of the ship. But that may change, following the transfer of a contact case in Brittany, northwestern France, to hospital on Tuesday morning. The potential case was identified in Concarneau, a commune in the Finistère department of Brittany, and they have been sent to the University Hospital of Rennes for further checks.