Hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius Cruise Ship: Evacuations and International Response
A hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and multiple infections, prompting international evacuations and health measures.
In April 2026, the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius experienced an outbreak of hantavirus, specifically the Andes virus strain, leading to three fatalities and several infections among passengers and crew. The vessel departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, with 147 individuals on board.
The first death occurred on April 11, with the deceased's body removed in Saint Helena on April 24. His wife disembarked and died two days later in Johannesburg. A third passenger died on board, and a British passenger was sent to Johannesburg in critical but stable condition. The ship docked at Praia for three days without disembarking due to inadequate local facilities. After Spanish Ministry of Health approval, the vessel proceeded to Tenerife, departing on May 6 with 147 individuals and additional medical resources. Passengers began disembarking on May 10 with evacuation flights to six European countries and Canada.
As of May 11, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported seven confirmed cases and two suspected cases, with three deaths attributed to the virus. The Andes virus is known for its potential human-to-human transmission, though such cases are rare.
The Spanish government coordinated a complex international evacuation operation upon the ship's arrival in Tenerife. Over 300 Guardia Civil members and numerous police officers facilitated the safe disembarkation of passengers, who were then flown to their home countries under strict health protocols. The operation was supervised by three Spanish ministers and the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
In Singapore, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) was notified that two residents had been onboard the MV Hondius. Both individuals were isolated at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and tested for hantavirus. One exhibited mild symptoms, while the other remained asymptomatic. The risk to the general public in Singapore was assessed as low.
Health authorities emphasized that, unlike COVID-19, hantavirus transmission between humans is limited and requires close contact. Roman Wölfel, head of the Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, stated, "They can be transmitted from person to person, but far less easily and only through very close contact."
The WHO classified the outbreak as a "level 3" emergency response, indicating a serious but localized public health event. International health agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, implementing measures to prevent further spread and ensure the safety of those affected.
