To help readers get accurate information, we have compiled data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Health officials around the world are closely monitoring a rare outbreak of Andes hantavirus connected to the cruise ship MV Hondius, following several confirmed infections and deaths among passengers and crew.
According to the World Health Organization, the outbreak was first reported May 2 after passengers aboard the Dutch-flagged expedition cruise ship developed severe respiratory illness while traveling in the Atlantic Ocean.
As of May 11th, 2026:
- 9 total cases have been reported
- 7 cases have been laboratory confirmed
- 3 deaths have occurred
- Passengers and crew from 23 countries were onboard
Laboratory testing confirmed the infections involved Andes virus, a rare South American strain of hantavirus.
The ship later arrived in Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, where passengers disembarked and repatriation flights were organized.
Two American Passengers Taken to Atlanta Biocontainment Unit
Seventeen American citizens were evacuated from the ship. Two U.S. passengers were transported to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia for specialized monitoring and treatment.
Hospital officials said:
- One patient is symptomatic and receiving treatment in a biocontainment unit
- One close contact is asymptomatic but remains under evaluation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there are currently no confirmed U.S. cases connected to the outbreak.
Federal officials continue to emphasize that the overall risk to the American public remains extremely low.
What Is Andes Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses usually spread to humans through exposure to infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
The Andes strain is different because it is currently the only known hantavirus capable of limited person-to-person transmission.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control:
- Human transmission is considered rare
- Spread generally requires prolonged close contact
- Casual public exposure is not believed to spread the virus easily
Health officials stress this virus does not spread like COVID-19.
What Symptoms Should People Watch For?
The CDC says symptoms can appear anywhere from 1 to 8 weeks after exposure.
Early symptoms may include:
- Fever and chills
- Severe muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Severe symptoms can develop rapidly:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Fluid buildup in the lungs
- Rapid respiratory failure
Doctors warn that patients can go from mild symptoms to life-threatening illness within 24 hours once lung complications begin.
Investigators Believe One Passenger May Have Started the Outbreak
WHO investigators believe the first known patient likely became infected before boarding the ship while traveling in South America.
Officials said current evidence suggests:
- The passenger likely had environmental exposure in Argentina
- Several later patients had close contact with the infected individual onboard
- The timing of symptoms matches known Andes virus incubation periods
WHO says ongoing genetic sequencing and epidemiological investigations are continuing to determine exactly how transmission occurred.
Why Officials Say This Is Not “The Next Pandemic”
Despite the seriousness of the illness, public health agencies continue to say this outbreak does not resemble the early stages of COVID-19.
Key differences include:
- Andes hantavirus does not spread easily between people
- Transmission appears limited to close, prolonged contact
- The virus does not appear capable of rapid community spread
- Europe does not have the rodent species that naturally carry the virus
WHO currently classifies the global public health risk as low.
Can Hantavirus Mutate?
Scientists say hantaviruses can mutate because they are RNA viruses. However, experts note hantaviruses generally evolve more slowly than many other RNA viruses.
Researchers continue monitoring:
- Genetic changes in the virus
- Possible changes affecting transmission
- Whether mutations could impact severity or spread
At this time, officials say there is no evidence the current outbreak involves a highly contagious mutated strain.
What Officials Are Saying
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said CDC teams responded immediately after the outbreak was identified.
“We have this under control and we’re not worried about it,” Kennedy said while discussing the monitoring and transport of American passengers.
The CDC continues working with international health agencies, including WHO and European health officials, on contact tracing and passenger monitoring efforts.
What Regular People Should Know Right Now
Health officials say most people in the United States are at extremely low risk.
The situations most commonly associated with hantavirus exposure include:
- Rodent-infested buildings
- Cabins, sheds, or barns
- Cleaning areas contaminated with rodent droppings
- Prolonged close exposure to infected individuals in rare Andes virus cases
Officials are not recommending:
- Travel restrictions
- Cruise ship shutdowns
- Mask mandates
- Public lockdowns
Authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely while emphasizing that the situation remains contained.
