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What’s happening: Social media users skeptical of mainstream health information are claiming that the hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius was caused by 6G technology. There are two problems with this claim: 6G technology isn’t yet available so 6G couldn’t have caused anything, and in any case it’s biologically impossible for human viruses to spread through wireless networks.
Context: As of May 13, 2026, the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius had sickened 11 people, including three who died, according to the World Health Organization. Officials have not determined how the outbreak on the ship began.
A closer look: The claim that the outbreak was caused by 6G technology began to spread on May 7, particularly among users who had earlier pushed the claim that the COVID-19 pandemic was caused by 5G technology.
An Instagram account called Gubba Homestead, which has 2.2 million followers, posted a video stating: “Let’s look at an interesting pattern. In 2019, 5G networks started to roll out across the world. Shortly after, the first cases of COVID appear. [In] 2009 you have the 4G rollout, right around the same time as the swine flu pandemic. … I’m not saying there’s a new pandemic every time new radio technology rolls out, but they...
Welcome to Reality Check, NewsGuard’s nonpartisan newsletter that tracks the false claims and conspiracy theories that shape our world — and who’s behind them. Please support us by becoming a premi...