An Unusual Outbreak in a Remote Setting

A rare outbreak of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) has been confirmed among passengers and crew aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, reported to the World Health Organization on May 2, 2026. The ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1 carrying 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries, traveling through some of the world’s most remote locations – Antarctica, South Georgia Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island before arriving in the Netherlands on May 18.

Where and how many

As of mid-May:

• At least 10 confirmed or suspected cases, including 3 deaths
• Cases span passengers and crew from 23 countries
• Former passengers are currently quarantined or under medical monitoring in more than 12 countries
• The CDC has classified this as a Level 3 emergency response

Why this outbreak is unusual

The Andes virus is the only hantavirus known to spread from person to person making a confined ship environment a uniquely risky setting. Most hantavirus infections occur through contact with infected rodent droppings or urine. The leading hypothesis is that the index case, a Dutch passenger, contracted the virus during a four-month road trip through South America before boarding, with subsequent spread on the ship occurring through close, prolonged contact. Airborne transmission remains under investigation.

What travelers need to know about this strain

There is no approved antiviral treatment for Andes virus, care is supportive only. The WHO, CDC, and European health agencies all assess the risk to the general public as very low. As of May 18, no confirmed cases have been reported among the U.S. general public.

Symptoms to watch for:

Symptoms typically appear 1–8 weeks after exposure. Watch for:

• Fever, chills, and muscle aches especially in the thighs, hips, and back
• Headache, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
• As the illness progresses: shortness of breath, cough, and a feeling of tightness in the chest

If you develop these symptoms and were aboard the MV Hondius or had close contact with a confirmed case, do not go directly to an emergency room or urgent care. Call your healthcare provider first so they can prepare appropriate precautions and protect other patients.

How to protect yourself

• If you were aboard the MV Hondius or had close, prolonged contact with a symptomatic passenger, self-monitor for symptoms for a full 8 weeks from your last exposure
• If you are traveling to Andean South America, avoid contact with rodents and their droppings – in cabins, camping areas, and rural settings where rodent exposure is likely
• There is currently no vaccine for Andes virus – prevention is your best tool

Questions or concerns? Contact us at TravelBug Health – we’re here to help you assess your risk and navigate next steps.

Resources:

• CDC – Hantavirus Situation Summary
• WHO – Disease Outbreak News: Hantavirus, Multi-country
• Johns Hopkins – Hantavirus Outbreak 2026