Health officials in the United States are actively tracking individuals who were aboard the MV Hondius, a luxury cruise ship where a hantavirus outbreak has emerged, leading to the deaths of three passengers, including a Dutch couple and a German national. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on May 6, 2026, that the risk to the public is currently deemed "extremely low."

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that eight cases have been linked to the cruise, including two confirmed and six suspected infections. Symptoms appeared between April 6 and April 28, with affected individuals experiencing severe respiratory illnesses characterized by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and pneumonia. Investigations indicated that human hantavirus infections typically arise when individuals come into contact with infected rodent excrement.

Passengers disembarked from the cruise, which departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 and made multiple stops, including in remote areas like mainland Antarctica and Ascension Island. As of May 6, three passengers were evacuated for medical treatment in South Africa, with one individual remaining in intensive care. Ongoing Monitoring

Georgia, Arizona, and California public health agencies confirmed they are monitoring residents who returned home after traveling on the cruise ship. In Georgia, two individuals are being observed, while Arizona is also monitoring one passenger. All monitored individuals are in good health and show no symptoms of infection.

The cruise ship is currently moored off the coast of Cape Verde and is expected to dock in Tenerife, Spain, shortly. Spanish authorities have planned quarantine measures for passengers and crew, with non-Spanish citizens being repatriated. All protocols are being followed to ensure health safety as the situation continues to develop.

Hantavirus, though rare, can cause severe respiratory illness and is often spread by contact with the droppings, urine, or saliva of infected rodents. The CDC urges individuals onboard to adhere to health officials' guidance as they monitor and respond to this outbreak.