Hantavirus Outbreak aboard the MV Hondius (2026)
Case count — May 9, 2026
Key concern: Among the 9 suspected cases, one woman did not travel aboard the Hondius, raising the possibility of secondary person-to-person transmission. Andes virus is the only hantavirus known to spread between humans — though this remains rare and typically requires close, sustained contact.
Situation Summary
WHO emphasizes that the risk of infection for people who were not aboard the MV Hondius and have not had close, prolonged contact with a confirmed case is extremely low. This outbreak is not the next COVID — Andes virus does not spread through the air in open spaces or through casual contact.
Outbreak Timeline
MV Hondius departs Argentina — pre-ship exposure suspected
The index case, a Dutch citizen, had completed a four-month road trip through Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina (November 27, 2025 – April 1, 2026) before boarding. Argentine health officials published a detailed report of his movements. WHO's working hypothesis is that infection occurred during land excursions in areas inhabited by the long-tailed rice rat (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus), the primary reservoir of Andes virus.
WHO issues Disease Outbreak Notice 599
The WHO publishes DON #599 confirming a cluster of Andes virus infections linked to the MV Hondius expedition cruise ship. Three passengers have died at the time of publication — a Dutch couple and a German national. WHO assesses the risk to the general public as LOW.
Spain agrees to allow Hondius docking in Canary Islands
The Spanish government negotiates with WHO to allow the MV Hondius to dock at Granadilla de Abona port in Tenerife. The Ministry of Health activates the CCAES emergency alert system and establishes mandatory quarantine protocols for Spanish passengers. Three critically ill patients are airlifted to hospitals in the Netherlands and Germany.
International contact tracing begins — 10+ countries
Health authorities in Singapore, the United States (Texas), Switzerland, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and South Africa begin tracing passengers. Singapore reports two men, approximately 60 years old, in self-isolation and undergoing testing. Two passengers are monitored by the CDC in Texas. ECDC publishes its preliminary rapid risk assessment.
WHO updates: 6 confirmed, 9 suspected — index case traced
WHO raises confirmed case count to 6. Three deaths reported (1 confirmed hantavirus-caused, 2 under investigation). Argentina publishes the index case report: Dutch citizen who traveled through South America for four months before boarding. Among the 9 suspected cases is a woman who did NOT travel aboard the Hondius, raising the possibility of secondary person-to-person transmission. The CDC classifies the response as Level 3 emergency. WHO notes 'more cases may be reported' but confirms this is 'not the next COVID.'
CDC deploys team to Canary Islands — 5 US states monitoring
The CDC sends epidemiologists and medical personnel to the Canary Islands to conduct exposure risk assessments for American passengers. At least 5 US states are monitoring passengers who have already disembarked. The ship remains in Cape Verdean waters with approximately 150 passengers and crew from 23 nationalities. Patients are hospitalized in: Netherlands, Germany, South Africa, Saint Helena, and Switzerland.
MV Hondius approaching Tenerife — evacuation planned May 11
The ship is en route to Granadilla de Abona port in Tenerife. Spain has activated a controlled medical disembarkation protocol. The evacuation of approximately 150 passengers and crew is scheduled to begin May 11. The Spanish Ministry of Health confirms no confirmed cases among Spanish citizens. WHO maintains the general public risk assessment as LOW.
Countries Linked to the Hondius Outbreak
Health authorities in more than 10 countries are actively tracing passengers and crew of the MV Hondius.
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | Confirmed |
| Germany | Confirmed |
| South Africa | Confirmed |
| Switzerland | Confirmed |
| Saint Helena | Suspected |
| Singapore | Suspected |
| France | Suspected |
| United States | Active monitoring |
| United Kingdom | Active monitoring |
| Canada | Active monitoring |
| Spain | Receiving ship |
Why This Outbreak Matters
The MV Hondius is an expedition cruise ship operating routes through Patagonia and Antarctica. Shore excursions expose passengers to ecosystems inhabited by the long-tailed rice rat (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus), the primary reservoir of Andes virus. The leading hypothesis is that cases were infected during birdwatching excursions before boarding.
The epidemiological concern is twofold: potential person-to-person transmission (the non-traveler case), and the broader 2026 regional context — Chile has recorded 39 cases and 13 deaths (33% CFR), while Argentina has registered 101 cases since June 2025, double the previous year. Researchers attribute the increase to climate change expanding the long-tailed rice rat breeding season.
Official Recommendations
If you were aboard the MV Hondius (April–May 2026)
- →Monitor your temperature and symptoms for 8 weeks from your last day on board
- →If you develop fever, severe muscle aches, or difficulty breathing: seek emergency care and report your time aboard
- →Follow any quarantine instructions you have received from your national health authority
- →US passengers: contact the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO or your state health department
Contacts of confirmed cases
- →Andes virus incubation period is 1–8 weeks (median: 2–4 weeks)
- →If you had close, prolonged contact with a confirmed case, consult your doctor
- →Casual contact (handshake, shared open space) does NOT constitute significant risk
General public in Europe and worldwide
- →Exposure risk is extremely low — no community transmission detected
- →No special measures are required
- →Stay informed through WHO, CDC, ECDC and national health authorities
Travelers to Patagonia or Andean regions
- →Ventilate enclosed spaces (cabins, refuges) for 30 minutes before entering
- →Do not touch or approach wild rodents, their droppings, or nesting materials
- →Inform your doctor of travel history if you develop symptoms within 8 weeks of returning