MV Hondius Hantavirus Outbreak — 2026
Live tracking of the Andes virus outbreak aboard Dutch expedition cruise ship MV Hondius. Updated hourly from WHO, CDC, and ECDC sources.
What Happened
In April 2026, an outbreak of Andes hantavirus was identified aboard the Dutch expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel departed Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1, 2026, carrying approximately 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries.
As of May 10, 2026, eight cases have been confirmed by WHO (6 laboratory-confirmed, 2 probable), including three deaths — a case fatality ratio of 38%.
The ship arrived in Tenerife, Canary Islands on the morning of May 10, 2026, where passengers are being repatriated to their home countries.
Outbreak Timeline
Vessel Route: Ushuaia → Tenerife
Countries Monitoring Exposed Passengers
| Country | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Active surveillance | Flag state of MV Hondius |
| 🇺🇸 United States | Level 3 CDC monitoring | Passengers in 3 states |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Active | 1 confirmed death |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | Patients hospitalized | Multiple cases |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Port arrival site | Tenerife reception |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Patient hospitalized | — |
| 🇸🇭 Saint Helena | Case confirmed | UK territory |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | Active surveillance | Citizens on board |
Why Is This Outbreak Different? — Andes Virus
The hantavirus strain identified aboard MV Hondius is Andes virus (ANDV) — confirmed by PCR sequencing by WHO on May 8, 2026.
Andes virus is uniquely dangerous for one key reason: it is the ONLY known hantavirus strain that can spread from person to person.
While all other hantavirus strains (including Sin Nombre virus, common in the US) require direct contact with infected rodents, Andes virus can spread through:
- • Prolonged close contact with an infected person
- • Exposure to body fluids (saliva, respiratory droplets)
- • Close physical contact during the prodromal (early symptom) phase
Frequently Asked Questions
Could I have been exposed if I was on MV Hondius?
If you traveled on MV Hondius between April 1 and May 10, 2026, you should contact your national health authority immediately. The incubation period for Andes virus is 7–39 days (median 18 days), so exposure may still result in symptoms. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking guidance.
Is hantavirus now spreading in Tenerife or the Canary Islands?
As of May 10, 2026, all 147 remaining passengers show no symptoms. The ship is anchored at an industrial port away from residential areas. Spain's health ministry has confirmed that the public risk in Tenerife is low.
Was the hantavirus on the ship from rodents or from people?
The initial source was likely rodent exposure during the ship's stops in South America (Ushuaia, Argentina — a known hantavirus region). Subsequent cases may involve person-to-person transmission, as Andes virus is the only hantavirus strain known to spread between humans.
What countries had passengers on MV Hondius?
23 nationalities were on board. At least 9 EU/EEA countries are confirmed: Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and Poland. Plus passengers from the USA, South Africa, Switzerland, UK (Saint Helena), and others.
What is the death toll from the MV Hondius outbreak?
As of May 10, 2026, three passengers have died. The case fatality ratio is 38% (3 deaths out of 8 confirmed cases), significantly higher than the average HPS mortality rate. See more: Hantavirus mortality rates by strain.
Sources: WHO Disease Outbreak News (May 4 & 8, 2026) · ECDC Assessment (May 6, 2026) · CDC Level 3 Emergency · NBC News · New York Times
Last updated: May 10, 2026 at 11:47 AM UTC