Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak 2026 — MV Hondius

No. CDC, WHO, and public health experts agree the risk of a pandemic from this outbreak is extremely low. Andes virus has demonstrated limited human-to-human transmission, typically requiring prolonged close contact. The outbreak is geographically contained, and all known contacts are being monitored. Dr. Bonnie Henry (BC Health Officer) stated: 'Hantavirus is a very different virus than COVID, influenza, or measles — it does not have pandemic potential.'

The working hypothesis is that the first case was exposed to infected rodents during land activities (likely birdwatching) in Argentina or Chile before boarding. Once aboard, Andes virus spread person-to-person through close and prolonged contact in the ship's enclosed environment — shared cabins, dining areas, and common spaces. Genetic sequencing confirmed a single source event with near-identical viral sequences across all cases.

As of May 16, 2026, there are 11 total cases: 8 laboratory-confirmed for Andes virus (ANDV), 2 probable, and 1 inconclusive. Three people have died, giving a case fatality ratio of 27%. All cases were passengers aboard the MV Hondius. No crew members have been confirmed positive.

WHO recommends 42 days of active monitoring and home or facility quarantine for high-risk contacts following their last exposure. This is based on the maximum incubation period of Andes virus (up to 8 weeks) plus a safety margin. High-risk contacts include those who shared enclosed spaces, had direct physical contact, or were exposed to a confirmed case's body fluids. Low-risk contacts should self-monitor and seek medical evaluation if symptoms develop.

WHO advises against travel for high-risk contacts during the 42-day monitoring period. Passengers who have been repatriated are being monitored by local health authorities in their home countries. WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions for the general public beyond the movement restrictions for identified high-risk contacts.

Yes, for the general public. WHO states that most routine tourism activities carry little or no risk of exposure to rodents or their excreta. The MV Hondius outbreak was an exceptional event linked to specific land-based exposure in a hantavirus-endemic region (Patagonia). WHO does not recommend any changes to routine activities for people not connected to this outbreak.

Passengers from 23 countries were aboard the MV Hondius. Confirmed or probable cases have been reported in the UK, Netherlands, France, Spain, and Canada. One inconclusive case is in the US. Two passengers died in South Africa. The initial zoonotic exposure is believed to have occurred in Argentina or Chile.

Symptoms of Andes virus (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome) typically appear 1–8 weeks after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Late symptoms include sudden shortness of breath and respiratory distress as the lungs fill with fluid. Seek immediate medical care if you were on the MV Hondius and develop any of these symptoms.

CDC issued a Health Alert Network notice (HAN00528) and is monitoring 41 people in the US. WHO activated three-level coordination, deployed experts to the ship, published three Disease Outbreak News reports, and developed specific technical guidance for contact management and disembarkation. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros personally travelled to the Canary Islands to coordinate the response.