Five hantavirus infections have been confirmed aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is currently off the coast of Cape Verde and en route to the Canary Islands. More than 100 passengers remain on board as health authorities manage the outbreak.
U.S. Passenger Monitoring Underway
The Arizona Department of Health Services is monitoring one resident passenger who recently returned from the MV Hondius. The Georgia Department of Public Health is tracking two residents who disembarked and returned home. None of these monitored individuals have shown signs of illness, according to officials.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated on October 2,
2026, that “the risk to the American public is extremely low” and emphasized that “our top priority remains the health and safety of all U.S. passengers.” The CDC confirmed that the Department of State is leading a whole-of-government response, which includes direct contact with passengers and diplomatic coordination to manage the situation.
Medical Evacuations and Onboard Care
Three individuals have been evacuated from the MV Hondius for medical treatment. Two are symptomatic and in serious condition, while the third is asymptomatic but a close contact of a German national who died from hantavirus on May 2. The two symptomatic patients who were evacuated have arrived
in the Netherlands and are receiving specialized medical care.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator of MV Hondius, is expanding onboard medical capacity by deploying two infectious disease physicians from the Dutch Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM). This deployment aims to provide optimal care during the ongoing situation.
Virus Identification and Additional Cases
The hantavirus strain involved has been identified as Andes hantavirus, known for its capability of person-to-person transmission, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa and Geneva University Hospitals. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed ongoing monitoring and coordinated medical follow-up with national health authorities, while also stating that
“the overall public health risk remains low.”
Swiss authorities confirmed a passenger from MV Hondius who presented himself at University Hospital Zurich after receiving notification from the ship’s operator. Two additional hantavirus cases have been confirmed among the ship’s crew, raising the total to five confirmed cases.
The known patient deaths include a German national who died May 2, and a passenger related to a KLM flight in Johannesburg on April 25. KLM stated the passenger was denied boarding due to their medical condition and later died in Johannesburg. The airline is informing all passengers on that flight of potential
exposure.
Canary Islands Docking Controversy and Repatriation Plans
The MV Hondius is expected to dock at Granadilla de Abona port on Tenerife in the Canary Islands within three to four days. However, the regional government, led by President Fernando Clavijo, opposed docking, citing insufficient information to ensure public safety. Clavijo said the decision “is not based on any technical criteria” and that adequate information has not been provided to reassure the public.
Spain’s Minister of Health, Mónica García, announced plans for a “joint screening and evacuation mechanism” to repatriate all foreign passengers from the ship upon its arrival. García stated passengers will be repatriated through the European
civil protection mechanism unless their medical condition prevents transfer.
