Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to Cruise Ship Triggers Global Repatriation and Quarantine Effort

An international health response is underway after several cases of hantavirus were linked to passengers aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, prompting large-scale repatriation, medical monitoring and quarantine measures across multiple countries.

Health authorities have confirmed seven cases of hantavirus associated with the vessel, while two additional cases remain under investigation, according to guidance published by the World Health Organization. The ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 carrying 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries before concluding its voyage in Tenerife.

Three newly confirmed infections involve citizens of the United States, Spain and France who had already returned to their home countries. Authorities have also reported three passenger deaths connected to the outbreak. Two of the deceased — a Dutch woman and a German national — were confirmed to have contracted hantavirus. A Dutch passenger believed to be among the earliest symptomatic cases died aboard the vessel before laboratory testing could be completed. A Spanish police officer involved in the repatriation operation separately died of cardiac arrest, officials said.

The outbreak is believed to involve the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare variant found in parts of South America that has been documented in scientific research on person-to-person transmission. Symptoms may include fever, severe fatigue, muscle pain, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea and respiratory complications.

Despite the international response, public health officials have stressed that the risk to the wider population remains low. Medical experts noted that transmission of the Andes strain generally requires prolonged close contact with an infected individual and does not spread easily in community settings.

More than 90 passengers have now been repatriated. U.S. authorities arranged the return of 18 American citizens after potential exposure, with one individual testing positive for the virus and another reporting mild symptoms. Several passengers are undergoing observation and clinical assessment, while others have been transferred to specialised quarantine facilities as a precaution.

Across Europe and North America, governments have implemented a range of containment measures. Canadian passengers arriving in British Columbia were instructed to self-isolate, while British nationals returning from the voyage were transported to medical facilities for observation. Spanish authorities placed returning citizens under mandatory quarantine, and French health officials launched contact-tracing efforts after identifying a confirmed case in Paris.

As of Monday evening, expedition operator Oceanwide Expeditions said 27 people remained aboard the vessel, including crew members and medical personnel overseeing the final stage of the ship's journey to the Netherlands. Ukrainian crew members assisting with the transfer are expected to enter quarantine upon arrival despite showing no symptoms.

Health agencies continue to monitor passengers and crew as authorities assess the extent of the outbreak. Officials have urged former passengers to remain vigilant for symptoms while emphasising that current evidence does not indicate a widespread public health threat.

In a video message released by the cruise operator, Captain Jan Dobrogowski expressed condolences to the families of those who died and commended passengers and crew for their cooperation during what he described as an exceptionally difficult period. Images from Tenerife showed disembarking passengers wearing protective gowns, face masks and medical head coverings as health teams carried out precautionary screening procedures.