Hantavirus TrackerVerified outbreak data and official sources
Last verified: May 11, 2026

MV Hondius hantavirus

This MV Hondius hantavirus page tracks the cruise-linked Andes virus cluster, official case counts, deaths, passenger repatriation, isolation, and source-linked public-health updates.

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MV Hondius hantavirus summary

The MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak is a multi-country cruise investigation linked to a Dutch-flagged expedition vessel. WHO's latest formal outbreak notice reported eight cases, including six laboratory-confirmed infections, two probable cases, and three deaths.

The MV Hondius hantavirus investigation involves Andes virus, the hantavirus strain with documented but uncommon person-to-person transmission. The vessel reached Tenerife on May 10, 2026, after which passenger screening, repatriation, isolation, and 42-day monitoring continued.

TIMELINE

MV Hondius hantavirus timeline

Recent MV Hondius hantavirus milestones are shown here. The full archive remains available on the complete timeline page.

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CONFIRMED

US and French evacuees test positive during repatriation

A French passenger evacuated to Paris tests positive and is reported in serious condition. A US passenger flown to Nebraska tests positive for Andes virus but is asymptomatic; another American has mild symptoms. WHO-linked public-health advice continues to emphasize 42 days of active follow-up after last exposure.

RESPONSE

UK passengers enter isolation at Arrowe Park

A repatriation flight brings 20 British passengers plus two additional residents or travellers to Manchester. They enter isolation and medical assessment at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral after testing negative before departure from Tenerife.

DISEMBARKATION

MV Hondius arrives at Tenerife; disembarkation begins

The vessel reaches the Canary Islands in the early hours of Sunday. Passengers begin disembarking in small groups after screening, with Spanish passengers moved first and repatriation flights planned for the UK, US, Canada, Turkey, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Australia. Isolation or monitoring continues for 42 days after last exposure.

CDC RESPONSE

CDC escorts ~17 Americans to Nebraska quarantine unit

CDC dispatches staff to meet American passengers at Tenerife and escort them on a charter flight to the US. Nebraska Medicine's National Quarantine Unit — a federally funded facility — is standing by. All ~17 Americans on board are reported well with no symptoms.

VESSEL

Spain overrides Canary Islands opposition; ship to dock May 10

Spain's health agency approves the MV Hondius docking at Granadilla, Tenerife, citing international law and humanitarian principles — overriding the Canary Islands president who had declared the ship unwelcome. Vessel expected to arrive early May 10.

WHO UPDATE

WHO DON600: 6 confirmed, 2 probable cases

WHO updates the formal outbreak notice to eight cases: six laboratory-confirmed Andes virus infections and two probable cases, including three deaths. Four patients are hospitalised in South Africa, the Netherlands, and Switzerland; global risk remains low while risk for passengers and crew is assessed as moderate.

UPDATES

Latest MV Hondius hantavirus updates

These source-linked updates separate official notices from repatriation reporting.

French and US evacuees test positive for hantavirus

A French passenger evacuated from Tenerife to Paris tested positive and was reported in serious condition. US officials said one American evacuee tested positive for the Andes strain while asymptomatic, and another had mild symptoms. Repatriation and 42-day monitoring continue.

UK cruise passengers enter isolation facility after repatriation

A Titan Airways flight brought UK-linked passengers from Tenerife to Manchester, after which they entered isolation and assessment at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral. UK authorities said the public risk remains low while monitoring continues.

MV Hondius reaches Tenerife and passenger evacuation begins

The ship arrived in the Canary Islands in the early hours of Sunday carrying 146 people. Spanish passengers were screened and taken off first, with repatriation flights planned for other countries. Passengers are being asked to isolate or remain under monitoring for 42 days after last potential exposure.

CDC flying ~17 American passengers to Nebraska quarantine unit

CDC dispatched staff to Tenerife to escort all American passengers home on a charter flight to the US. Nebraska Medicine's National Quarantine Unit — a federally funded facility — is prepared to receive and monitor them. All Americans on board are reported well with no current symptoms.

Why MV Hondius hantavirus monitoring continues

The MV Hondius hantavirus follow-up period matters because hantavirus symptoms can begin weeks after exposure. Passengers and close contacts are monitored so public-health teams can identify illness early, arrange testing, and reduce further risk.