MV Hondius Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak: Multiple Cases Confirmed as Passenger Evacuation Underway

A deadly Andes virus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship escalated in May 2026, resulting in multiple confirmed and suspected cases. The outbreak began with deaths of a German national and a British passenger's wife in Johannesburg, with secondary transmission occurring when infected passengers traveled to various countries including Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. By May 9, nine cases were confirmed or suspected across 12 countries. Health authorities confirmed the causative agent as Andes virus (ANDV), one of the deadliest hantavirus strains with approximately 40% mortality. The CDC activated a level-three emergency response, and coordinated international evacuations began with passengers in full protective equipment transported to their home countries for isolation and monitoring. WHO confirmed person-to-person transmission requires prolonged close contact, and estimated incubation up to six weeks.