On May 11, 2026, two additional passengers evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship tested positive for hantavirus, raising concerns about the ongoing outbreak that began while the ship was sailing. The French passenger's health has deteriorated since her return and she is currently being treated in Paris. The American passenger, who is among the 17 US citizens repatriated to Nebraska, has tested positive but is asymptomatic; another American on the flight is exhibiting mild symptoms.

The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that as of now, there are seven confirmed cases of hantavirus infection among passengers of the MV Hondius, with two other suspected cases. The outbreak has resulted in three deaths, two of which have been confirmed as linked to the virus.

Health officials have emphasized that the risk to the broader public remains low, as hantavirus is usually spread through contact with rodent excretions, and human transmission is relatively rare. The outbreak is believed to involve the Andes strain, which some passengers contracted during earlier travels in South America.

As part of a coordinated health response, over 90 passengers and crew members were repatriated from the ship, which is now docked in the Canary Islands. Many passengers were flown home aboard military and government planes, while 54 individuals remain on the vessel, including passengers originally preparing to return home.

Officials are closely monitoring all repatriated passengers for symptoms and are conducting contact tracing to ensure the situation remains under control. The WHO continues to assess the outbreak's implications for public health, providing guidance to medical authorities worldwide.

The incident has prompted a significant international response, encompassing ongoing investigations into the outbreak's origins and the management of passengers who might have been exposed while traveling.