U.S. Cruise Passengers Return Amid Hantavirus Concerns

Seventeen American passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which experienced a hantavirus outbreak, have returned to the United States for medical evaluation. One passenger tested positive for the virus, and another exhibited mild symptoms.

The passengers disembarked in the Canary Islands and were flown to Nebraska on a government-arranged medical flight. The two symptomatic individuals traveled in biocontainment units. Upon arrival at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, most passengers proceeded to the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) for assessment. The symptomatic passenger was taken to a specialized treatment center.

Dr. Ali Khan, dean of the College of Public Health at UNMC, welcomed the passengers, stating, "You are coming to the premier facility in the United States, if not the world, to take care of you."

The MV Hondius, a Dutch-flagged expedition cruise ship, departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, with approximately 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries. The hantavirus outbreak resulted in at least eight cases, including three deaths.

Hantavirus is typically transmitted through inhalation of aerosolized excretions from infected rodents. The Andes virus strain involved in this outbreak can, in rare cases, spread between humans through prolonged, close contact.

Health officials emphasized that the general public faces low risk, though strict quarantine and monitoring measures are in place globally.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is coordinating with local health agencies to monitor at least six prior passengers in Arizona, California, Georgia, Texas, and Virginia.

Lawrence Gostin, professor of global health law at Georgetown University, commented on the U.S. response, stating it has been "fragmented, disjointed, and delayed for weeks, but it's finally coming together."

In response, Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, stated, "These claims are completely inaccurate. The U.S. government is conducting a coordinated, interagency response led by the Department of State."

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines to prevent further spread of the virus.