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.

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. A detailed nationality list provided by Oceanwide Expeditions on the same day also confirmed the absence of any Taiwanese citizens.

Taiwan CDC emphasized that the above information is sufficient to confirm that reports by the Spanish newspaper El País, citing an anonymous passenger, were inaccurate. In fact, no Taiwanese nationals were among the passengers of the cruise ship in question. Taiwan CDC will continue to work closely with the WHO and relevant countries to safeguard the health and safety of Taiwanese citizens.