US Cruise Passengers Monitored for Hantavirus After Ship Outbreak

Two more Americans are being monitored for hantavirus, bringing the total to 17 passengers returning to the US. This is a rise from previous reports.
By Newsroom | Health, Travel |

Monitoring Widens Amidst Weeks-Long Incubation Period

Two Americans, not onboard the MV Hondius cruise ship at the center of a hantavirus outbreak, are now being monitored for symptoms, Maryland health officials confirmed Monday. This development arrives as officials emphasize that evacuated passengers may not show signs of illness for several weeks, with a monitoring period extending up to 42 days.

Seventeen American passengers have returned to the United States following their disembarkation from the ship, which docked in Tenerife, Spain's Canary Islands. These individuals are being monitored across six states: Arizona, California, Georgia, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia. A final group of 28 passengers disembarked the MV Hondius on Monday.

One French passenger onboard reportedly began feeling unwell during a flight home, and a French woman has since tested positive for hantavirus, according to French Health Minister Stephanie Rist.

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Passenger Tracking and Public Health Measures

Most of the returning American passengers were reportedly taken to a facility in Nebraska, while two were admitted to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Officials stated that individual health plans are being established for the returning passengers, with some potentially completing their monitoring period from home, under daily check-ins.

Health screenings were conducted for passengers upon their arrival in Spain. Two flights were scheduled to depart for the Netherlands on Monday.

The MV Hondius Outbreak: A Timeline

The Dutch-flagged cruise ship, MV Hondius, departed southern Argentina on April 1, undertaking an itinerary across the South Atlantic with stops at remote islands.

  • A husband in a Dutch couple died onboard the ship on April 11.

  • A British man showing symptoms was evacuated to South Africa on April 27 for medical care.

  • The first confirmed hantavirus case was reported by Oceanwide Expeditions on May 4.

  • Three passengers have died since the outbreak began.

Hantavirus poses a low risk to the general public, according to a global health agency. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions are considered more vulnerable to the virus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are two more Americans being monitored for hantavirus after returning from the MV Hondius cruise?
Health officials confirmed two more Americans are being watched for hantavirus symptoms. This is in addition to 17 other passengers who have returned to the US from the ship.
Q: How long can hantavirus symptoms take to appear in passengers from the MV Hondius?
Officials state that passengers may not show signs of illness for several weeks, with a monitoring period that can last up to 42 days. This is due to the virus's long incubation period.
Q: Where are the returning American passengers from the MV Hondius being monitored?
The 17 American passengers are being monitored in six states: Arizona, California, Georgia, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia. Some may complete their monitoring from home with daily check-ins.
Q: What is the current status of the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship?
The outbreak has led to at least three passenger deaths, including a Dutch man who died on April 11 and a British man who was evacuated on April 27. A French passenger has tested positive for hantavirus.
Q: Is hantavirus a big risk to the general public after this cruise outbreak?
A global health agency says hantavirus has a low risk to the general public. People with existing health problems are more likely to get very sick from the virus.