Five confirmed cases of hantavirus have been identified aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which currently carries over 100 passengers en route to the Canary Islands. The outbreak prompted ongoing health monitoring internationally as the vessel continues its journey.
Arizona and Georgia Monitor Returned Passengers for Hantavirus
The Arizona Department of Health Services is monitoring one resident passenger from the MV Hondius, while Georgia public health officials track two residents who disembarked and returned home. None of those U.S. residents being monitored have exhibited symptoms of hantavirus infection to date.
Medical Evacuations and Onboard Care Expansion
Three passengers were medically evacuated from the MV Hondius, including two in serious condition and one asymptomatic close
contact of a German national who died of hantavirus on May 2. The two symptomatic patients have been admitted to specialized medical facilities in the Netherlands. Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship operator, has partnered with the Dutch Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) to deploy two infectious disease physicians to augment onboard medical care.
Andes Hantavirus Confirmed in Cases Across Multiple Countries
Health authorities in South Africa and Switzerland have confirmed the presence of Andes hantavirus among the cases linked to the MV Hondius. Swiss authorities identified a passenger hospitalized in Zurich after self-reporting following an operator notification. Two additional hantavirus cases have been confirmed among the ship’s
crew, bringing the total to five.
International Coordination and Public Health Statements
World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus affirmed continuous monitoring of the MV Hondius passengers and crew, emphasizing ongoing collaboration with affected countries for medical follow-up and evacuation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated the risk to the American public remains extremely low, advising American passengers aboard to adhere to health authorities’ instructions.
Canary Islands Government Opposes Docking Amid Screening Plans
The regional government of the Canary Islands has opposed the ship’s planned docking at Tenerife’s port of Granadilla de Abona, citing insufficient technical information to guarantee public safety. Regional President Fernando Clavijo expressed that decisions were
made without adequately informing island institutions. Spanish Minister of Health Mónica García announced a joint screening and evacuation protocol to be implemented upon arrival. Foreign passengers will be repatriated through the European civil protection mechanism unless medical conditions intervene.
US Government and Airline Involvement
The CDC reaffirmed its commitment to the health and safety of all U.S. passengers through a coordinated response managed in partnership with the Department of State. KLM airline reported that one hantavirus patient had boarded a flight from Johannesburg on April 25 but was denied further travel due to medical condition, and that passengers on the same flight received notifications about
possible exposure. The patient later died in Johannesburg.
