Two of the 17 Americans who were aboard the M/V Hondius cruise ship, where a Hantavirus outbreak was reported, have shown symptoms of the disease, with one testing positive for one of the viruses that causes Hantavirus infection.
Hantavirus is a disease caused by viruses commonly carried by rodents, especially rats and mice. Humans can become infected by inhaling air contaminated with rodent urine, droppings or saliva.
People can also contract the virus through contact with contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes, or by consuming contaminated food or water.
The virus drew global attention after around 150 passengers aboard the M/V Hondius, which departed in March 2026 on a voyage to Antarctica, began falling ill and several passengers died. Investigations later confirmed that Hantavirus was responsible for the deaths.
The ship was effectively placed under maritime quarantine after becoming stranded near Spain’s Canary Islands when several countries refused to allow it to dock over fears that infected passengers could spread the disease.
However, different countries have gradually started evacuating their citizens from the vessel, with most passengers being placed under quarantine immediately upon arrival in their home countries.
