MV Hondius Passengers to Be Evacuated Amid Hantavirus Outbreak
Passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship are set to be evacuated following a hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three deaths and multiple confirmed cases.
Passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship are scheduled for evacuation following a hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three deaths and multiple confirmed cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed eight cases, including three fatalities, linked to the Andes virus, a strain known for limited human-to-human transmission through close contact.
The MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, and has since visited several remote locations. The first death occurred on April 11, with subsequent cases emerging thereafter.
Evacuation plans are underway, with the ship expected to arrive off the coast of Tenerife, Canary Islands, on Sunday. Passengers will be transported to the island's airport in sealed and guarded vehicles, ensuring minimal contact with the local population.
Upon arrival, passengers will be repatriated to their respective countries. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the 17 U.S. passengers who tested negative for hantavirus will not be forcibly quarantined. After assessment at the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska, they may choose to isolate at the unit or return home, maintaining contact with health officials for the next 42 days.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the seriousness of the situation but assessed the public health risk as low. He noted that, given the incubation period, "it's possible that more cases may be reported."
The MV Hondius will not dock upon arrival; instead, passengers will be taken to land via small boats only when their evacuation planes are ready on the tarmac. This measure aims to prevent potential transmission.
The CDC has activated a Level 3 emergency response for the outbreak, the agency's lowest level, involving the activation of disease experts and staff.
The WHO continues to coordinate closely with multiple countries under the International Health Regulations to manage the situation and prevent further spread of the virus.
