U.S. Cruise Passengers Undergo 42-Day Quarantine After Hantavirus Exposure
American passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship are in a 42-day quarantine in Nebraska following potential exposure to hantavirus during a recent outbreak.
More than a dozen American passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship have been placed in a 42-day quarantine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center after potential exposure to hantavirus. The outbreak aboard the Dutch-flagged vessel resulted in 11 confirmed cases and three deaths, according to the World Health Organization.
The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, for a voyage through the South Atlantic. The first death occurred on April 11, with subsequent fatalities and infections leading to heightened health measures.
Passengers in Nebraska are asymptomatic but are monitored daily for symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, fever, and chills. Dr. David Fitter, incident manager for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hantavirus response, emphasized the importance of minimizing contact to prevent potential spread.
Some passengers may be allowed to continue their quarantine at home, with plans being developed in coordination with local jurisdictions to ensure safety. Dr. Fitter stated, "We're developing plans with the passengers and the jurisdictions (in which they live)."
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through exposure to rodent droppings, but the Andes virus strain involved in this outbreak is known for rare human-to-human transmission. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
