Three fatalities reported as health officials monitor passengers and prepare evacuations from MV Hondius
Category: Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has activated its 24/7 emergency center in Atlanta to respond to a hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, which has resulted in three fatalities. As of May 8, 2026, the CDC is operating under a Level 3 emergency response, the lowest level of activation, indicating that the situation is being closely monitored but the risk to the general public remains low.
According to CDC officials, the outbreak was first reported on May 2, 2026, and is associated with the Andes virus, a type of hantavirus that can cause severe lung disease known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The MV Hondius had departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 and traveled through several remote locations before reaching waters off Cabo Verde. The onset of illness among the affected individuals ranged from April 6 to April 28, indicating that the earliest infections likely occurred early in the voyage.
The CDC’s emergency operations center is actively coordinating with domestic and international partners to monitor the situation. Health officials in at least five U.S. states, including Georgia, Virginia, and Texas, are tracking passengers who disembarked from the cruise ship prior to the outbreak's confirmation. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the CDC’s acting director, expressed sympathy for the passengers aboard the MV Hondius and their families during this challenging time, stating, "Our hearts go out to the passengers aboard the cruise ship M/V Hondius and their families during this difficult time. Our CDC team began coordinating with domestic and international partners as soon as we were notified of a hantavirus situation."
Hantaviruses are typically transmitted through contact with rodents or their droppings, urine, and saliva. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that hantavirus is not easily spread between people, with Maria Van Kerkhove, director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness at WHO, clarifying, "This is not the next COVID, but it is a serious infectious disease. Most people will never be exposed to this." The Andes virus, involved in this outbreak, may have rare instances of human-to-human transmission, but such occurrences are infrequent.
The CDC's Level 3 designation signifies that the agency is actively monitoring the outbreak but does not indicate a widespread public health threat. Approximately 140 passengers and crew members remain on the MV Hondius, which is currently en route to the Canary Islands, where they are expected to disembark at Tenerife on May 10, 2026. Health authorities are preparing to evacuate these individuals to a completely isolated area to minimize any potential risk to public health. Spanish emergency services have stated that passengers will be transported in guarded vehicles directly to the airport, where parts of the facility will be cordoned off to prevent contact with the general population.
As the cruise ship approaches Tenerife, health officials are taking precautions to monitor and test passengers for any signs of hantavirus infection. A flight attendant who briefly boarded a plane with an infected passenger tested negative for the virus, alleviating some public concerns about the potential for transmission during air travel. Nevertheless, the CDC and WHO continue to stress the importance of vigilance and monitoring for those who may have come into contact with the virus.
In addition to the passengers aboard the MV Hondius, health officials are tracking more than two dozen individuals who disembarked the ship before the outbreak was detected. These individuals are being monitored across four continents, highlighting the global implications of this outbreak. The CDC's proactive measures aim to prevent any potential spread of the virus as health authorities work to trace contacts and provide guidance to those affected.
As the situation develops, the CDC remains committed to ensuring the safety and health of American travelers. Bhattacharya emphasized, "We understand that people are concerned and looking for information and that is why we provided clear, written health guidance to the American passengers through the State Department. The safety and health of the affected American travelers is our number one goal." With careful monitoring and coordination, health officials hope to mitigate the risks associated with this rare but serious infectious disease.
In the coming days, as the cruise ship arrives in the Canary Islands, officials will implement their evacuation plans, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to protect both the passengers and the local population. The CDC's response reflects a commitment to public health and safety, as the agency continues to work closely with international partners to address the challenges posed by this outbreak. The next steps will involve monitoring the health of passengers, conducting necessary testing, and providing updates as more information becomes available.
As of now, the risk to the general public remains low, and health officials are optimistic about managing the situation effectively. The situation is a reminder of the importance of public health preparedness and the need for vigilance in the face of infectious disease outbreaks. With continued cooperation and communication among health authorities, the hope is to prevent any escalation of the outbreak.