MV Hondius Passengers to Be Evacuated Amid Hantavirus Outbreak

Passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship are scheduled for evacuation within the next 24 hours, following a hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three deaths and multiple confirmed cases.

The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, for a 46-day expedition. The first passenger exhibited symptoms on April 6, and the initial death occurred on April 11. Subsequent fatalities included a Dutch woman who died after disembarking in Johannesburg and a German national who passed away onboard on May 2.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed six cases of the Andes strain of hantavirus, known for its potential person-to-person transmission.

The ship, carrying approximately 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries, has been denied docking in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands. Spanish authorities have now approved its arrival in Tenerife, where passengers will be evacuated directly to the airport under strict health protocols.

Evacuation plans involve transporting passengers to their respective countries for monitoring and treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is coordinating with local health agencies to monitor at least six passengers in Arizona, California, Georgia, Texas, and Virginia.

The WHO continues to monitor the situation, emphasizing that the overall public health risk remains low.