Cruise ship - Hantavirus - May 3+ - As of May 22 per WHO: 13 total cases, 3 total deaths

[Pathfinder]

WHO Director-General's address to Member States at the 79th World Health Assembly – 19 May 2026

19 May 2026
...
As you know, WHO is also responding to the outbreak of hantavirus among passengers and crew on the MV Hondius cruise ship.

The passengers have all been repatriated and will be monitored until the quarantine period ends, on the 21st of June.

Yesterday, the Hondius arrived in Rotterdam, where the crew disembarked and will be quarantined until the 29th of June.

For the past two weeks I have been in regular contact with the captain of the ship, Captain Jan Dobrogowski of Poland, and I would like to thank him for everything he has done for the passengers and crew under his care.

I’m sure Poland is proud of Jan.

WHO’s assessment continues to be that the risk of hantavirus globally is low.

So far, there are 11 reported cases, including 3 deaths, and no deaths have been reported since the 2nd of May, when WHO was first informed of the outbreak on the ship.

Those numbers have changed little since the outbreak was first reported to WHO two weeks ago.

As things stand, there is no sign that we are seeing the start of a larger outbreak.

But of course, that could change, and we urge all affected countries to continue monitoring the passengers and crew carefully.

I thank the many countries involved in the response.

Spain not only met its legal duty under the International Health Regulations, but also its moral duty to the passengers and crew.

I would especially like to thank Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for his leadership, and for his inspiring message at this Assembly yesterday.

Spain handled the situation with compassion and kindess to the passengers and crew, and not just the legal obligation.

I also thank South Africa, which was the first to confirm hantavirus at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in Johannesburg, after the first patient was evacuated there.

I thank the United Kingdom for notifying WHO and all countries through the IHR;

I thank Cabo Verde for helping with the evacuation of the three symptomatic patients:

I thank the Netherlands, which has been actively involved through every stage of the outbreak, and has received the evacuees from the ship.

And I thank Argentina and Chile for sharing their expertise and support in the epidemiological investigations, and for donating reference material for PCR and serologic testing to five reference labs involved in the response.

===

https://www.who.int/news-room/speeches/item/who-director-general-s-address-to-member-states-at-the-79th-world-health-assembly---19-may-2026

[Pathfinder]

Andes Virus Outbreak on a Cruise Ship: Current Situation

For Everyone
May 19, 2026 Español

Key points

• CDC is responding to a deadly outbreak of Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, among passengers and crew of a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
• To date, no cases of Andes virus have been confirmed in the United States as a result of this outbreak.
• The risk of a pandemic caused by this outbreak and the overall risk to the American public and travelers is extremely low.
• This outbreak is evolving rapidly and the situation will continue to change. Below is what we know now and we will continue to update this page as the situation changes.

Current situation

CDC is responding to a deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, reported on May 2, 2026.

The type of hantavirus responsible for this outbreak is the Andes virus, which can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). HPS is a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs.

What CDC is doing

• CDC worked closely with other U.S. government agencies and international partners to bring Americans on the ship home as quickly and as safely as possible.
• CDC, in coordination with state and federal partners, repatriated 18 passengers who remained on the cruise ship on May 10. These passengers are currently at the Nebraska Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for assessing and coordinating how and where they will be monitored for a 42-day period. Seven passengers who returned early are at home being monitored by their state and local health.
• CDC is providing technical assistance and guidance to other public health authorities responding to this outbreak.
• CDC has worked with health departments to confirm that all exposed passengers are being monitored by public health officials.
• CDC responds to sick travelers at U.S. ports of entry 24/7, 365 days of the year.
• CDC works with other federal agencies, health departments, airlines, and international partners to identify and follow up with people potentially exposed to a contagious disease of public health concern during travel.
• CDC port health stations are part of a network that serves to limit the introduction and spread of contagious diseases in the United States.

...

https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/situation-summary/index.html

[sharon sanders]

Quick notes - Please excuse typos



Media Advisory

Embargoed Until Tuesday

May 19, 2026, 3:00 p.m. EDT

Contact: CDC Media Relations






Update on CDC Responses to Ebola Outbreak and Hantavirus





What



CDC will provide an update on its response to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, and on its response to hantavirus linked to the M/V Hondius cruise ship.



Who



CAPT Satish K. Pillai, M.D., M.P.H., Incident Manager for CDC’s Ebola response


David Fitter, M.D., Incident Manager for CDC’s hantavirus response


When



Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 3:00 p.m. EDT


Transcript


A transcript will be available following the briefing on CDC’s website: www.cdc.gov/media.


Moderator: Benjamin Haynes

Presenters: Dr. Pillai, Dr. Fitter



Dr. Pillai:

1) Complex and fast moving situation,
2) American with Ebola in transit to Germany for care,
3) Other 6 peeps will be transferred to Europe shortly,
4) This strain is similar genetically to 2007, 2012 outbreaks,
5) CDC has established travel protocols, giving clinical guidance domestically and internationally, 24/7 testing available to parties, deploying resources for many disease tracking and control efforts on the ground in DRC,
6) Risk to US is low,


Dr. Fitter:

1) No Hantavirus cases in returned passengers,
2) US risk is low,
3) Working will all local and state entities.


Questions:


CBS news:
Is ramping up US testing/screening protocols? Hantavirus measures?
Yes, US has capacity for Ebola. Nebraska peeps will stay there until May 31.

Did not hear media
What groups are working with CDC on ground in DRC?
Multiple groups in many different areas. Worked with them before in both DRC and Uganda. Expansive list of groups.

NBC5 Dallas/Ft. Worth
What about World Cup situation?
Actively working with FIFA to ensure safe passage for players/staff and safety for US.

ABC news
On American doctor...any plans to move to US?
At present treatment is paramount...Germany is closer and high level of care. 6 other peeps will be traveling to Europe incl Germany.

Reuters:
How many CDC peeps in US and in RDC/Uganda working on the Ebola situation?
CDC has been working with RDC and Uganda for decades. 130 staff long standing on the ground. Brought in additional peeps as partners there. Maybe 100s.

CNN:
Any restrictions on US passports holders? What airports are screening?
Using the tools we have based on evolving situation. Will be revisited...will continue to work with state and local govs.

NBC news:
Staffing in RDC and Uganda...how many are actual CDC staff vs. local hires? Another person leaving for Africa shortly. Both types of hires. NE quarantine situation...have passengers to stay until May 31 after further eval.

New York Times:
6 peeps went to Europe...where exactly....41 peeps hantavirus monitoring, now how many?
6 to Germany, 7th peep may go to Czech Republic, Hantavirus monitoring numbers go down as time goes on....

Did not hear last question....technical probs....


End.

[Pathfinder]

Statement from Rémi Bouysset, CEO of Oceanwide Expeditions, regarding the hantavirus cluster of cases aboard m/v Hondius


by Oceanwide Expeditions News 19.05.2026

Vlissingen, 19 May 2026

Over the past weeks, Oceanwide Expeditions has faced one of the most difficult situations in our company’s history.

First and foremost, this was and remains a human tragedy. Three individuals lost their lives. Several others became seriously ill after contracting the virus, with some requiring urgent medical intervention and evacuation under extremely challenging circumstances. At the time of writing, several affected individuals remain hospitalized, including some still in critical condition, while many guests and crew members remain under quarantine and medical monitoring.

Beyond those directly affected, the situation has weighed heavily on guests, crew members, expedition staff, families, and friends. Throughout this entire period, our thoughts have remained with them.

From the beginning, our priority was to support those affected, work closely with medical authorities and experts, and manage the situation responsibly and calmly through three constant priorities: medical response, operational coordination, and transparent communication.

The indications strongly suggest that the virus was introduced prior to embarkation and did not originate from the vessel itself. This is based on the medical and epidemiological information currently available, including guidance from WHO experts and relevant health authorities. Investigations remain ongoing regarding the exact location where the virus may have been contracted.

At this stage, there is no indication that the source of infection was linked to the vessel’s condition or to Oceanwide Expeditions’ onboard operations. We maintain strict pest-control and biosecurity procedures onboard our vessels, including regular inspections and monitoring. These were performed during this voyage, which began on 1 April, with no evidence of rodents or pests being present throughout.

What initially appeared to be an isolated medical situation evolved into a far more serious and complex event, requiring the rapid building of an international coalition and the full activation of crisis management procedures.

Our response evolved around three operational phases:

Phase 1: Emergency medical stabilization and evacuation operations in Cape Verde;

Phase 2: Controlled disembarkation, screening, quarantine, and transition operations in the Canary Islands;

Phase 3: Vessel transit to Rotterdam, vessel sanitization, crew transition, operational restart, resilience, and lessons learned.

Under the guidance and support of WHO experts, RIVM, local authorities in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, embassies, hospitals, aviation partners, maritime authorities, and the foreign ministries of multiple countries, medical evacuations, quarantine procedures, and disembarkation operations were organized.

Throughout this period, our teams onboard and ashore worked continuously to support guests and crew, coordinate evacuations and logistics, communicate with families and authorities, and ensure that decisions remained guided by verified facts and expert medical advice.

From the outset, we made a deliberate decision to only communicate verified information through daily press release(s) and to avoid speculations. Throughout this situation, we have continued to rely on the guidance of medical experts and authorities for assessment and decision-making.

Under very difficult and emotional circumstances, many people across Oceanwide Expeditions showed calmness, professionalism, resilience, discipline, and care for others. I would especially like to acknowledge Captain Jan Dobrogowski, Expedition Leader Hans Verdaat, the teams onboard m/v Hondius, and our crisis coordination teams ashore in Vlissingen. I also want to sincerely thank the guests onboard for their patience and cooperation throughout this period.

We are now in Phase 3. m/v Hondius safely arrived in Rotterdam yesterday, 18 May 2026. The remaining crew are being disembarked under the applicable guidance and procedures, and the repatriation of the deceased individual who remained on board will take place with the greatest care and respect.

The vessel will now undergo a complete cleaning and sanitization process, together with the full implementation of additional protocols, procedures, and a complete crew transition before returning to operations. We want to take the necessary time to complete every step properly and responsibly.

We will ensure that m/v Hondius returns to the field fully prepared and with the highest possible standards of safety and operational readiness, with the continuation of our Arctic season currently planned for 13 June. Like any company facing an exceptional situation, Oceanwide Expeditions has been impacted over recent weeks. However, we remain resilient, focused, and financially solid. Since our foundation in 1993, we have navigated challenging periods before, always by staying close to our values: serious operations, small-ship expeditions, experienced people, and long-term thinking.

Today is no different. More than 30 years after our first voyages, our commitment to the field, to our partners, and to our guests remains as strong as ever.

We will continue to review this event carefully together with the relevant experts and authorities and take the lessons from it seriously.

We operate in some of the most remote regions on earth. That comes with responsibility toward our guests, crew, partners, and the environments we explore. Situations like these remind us of the importance of preparation, teamwork, experience, and calm decision-making under pressure.

Our focus now is on supporting those affected, allowing teams to recover, completing the remaining procedures responsibly, and preparing for the next phase.

I have always believed in one simple principle: do the right thing and do things right. In a highly complex and high-pressure situation, where decisions carry real human consequences, that principle matters more than ever.

Rémi Bouysset

CEO — Oceanwide Expeditions

https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/statement-from-remi-bouysset-ceo-of-oceanwide-expeditions-regarding-the-hantavirus-cluster-of-cases-aboard-m-v-hondius?srsltid=AfmBOoolFHmb4IKcsqeQQpOGxTLgD1kO8LlhNy0t_iX5zuWrhC7v4eC5

[Pathfinder]

Portugal - 17/05/2026

Translation Google


Statements and Orders from the Director-General of Health

Hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius ship - update

Following the confirmation by Canadian authorities of a case of Andes Hantavirus (ANDV) infection among passengers repatriated from Tenerife, in the context of the outbreak associated with the MV Hondius ship, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) informs:

On May 12, 2026, the DGS (Directorate-General of Health) became aware that the repatriation operation of Canadian citizens from Tenerife to Canada involved an aircraft with 12 crew members of Portuguese nationality. The DGS immediately contacted the airline involved, requesting formal information from the Canadian authorities, under the mechanisms provided for in the International Health Regulations.

According to the information received, protective measures were adopted during the flight, namely the use of respiratory masks (FFP2/N95) by passengers, and surgical masks and gloves by the crew. After disembarking, the aircraft underwent decontamination procedures.

The case confirmed by Canadian authorities is believed to have started showing symptoms only on May 14, 2026, after the repatriation flight – which took place on May 10, 2026 – and was therefore not within the period of transmissibility defined by national guidelines and available scientific evidence related to the Andean Hantavirus at the time of the trip.

To date, there is no evidence of secondary transmission associated with this flight, nor any indication of increased risk to the population in Portugal.

The DGS (Directorate-General of Health) continues to monitor the situation in coordination with the relevant national and international authorities, continuing to track the epidemiological evolution and update recommendations as needed. The full statement is available here:

Abrir documento ( PDF - 151 Kb )

https://www.dgs.pt/a-direccao-geral-da-saude/comunicados-e-despachos-do-director-geral/surto-de-hantavirus-no-navio-mv-hondius-atualizacao.aspx

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hantavirus. First suspected case entered the emergency room in Lisbon and tested negative.

RTP has learned that there is a first suspected case of Hantavirus in Portugal. It involves a person who was admitted to the emergency room in Lisbon, but the test came back negative.

RTP/Updated May 20, 2026, 00:06

RTP has learned that a person with symptoms arrived at the São Francisco Xavier emergency room on Monday afternoon. Given the suspicion, the hospital followed the guidelines established by the Directorate-General of Health.

The patient was transferred to Curry Cabral Hospital, which is the referral hospital. This hospital indicated to RTP that the samples were sent to the Ricardo Jorge Institute.

In response to RTP, the Directorate-General of Health indicates that the suspected hantavirus case involved a Portuguese national who presented with flu-like signs and symptoms.

The suspicion is linked to air transport in the context of the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship with infected individuals. The DGS states that everything was done in accordance with the established protocol for these cases.

According to the DGS (Directorate-General of Health) guideline, signed on May 11th, non-cases who develop symptoms compatible with the definition of a suspected case after a negative test and within the maximum incubation period of 42 days after the last exposure to a probable or confirmed case, must be tested again and reclassified accordingly.

https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pais/hantavirus-primeiro-caso-suspeito-entrou-nas-urgencias-em-lisboa-e-testou-negativo_n1742299

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first suspected case of hantavirus in Portugal tested negative and the patient has already been discharged.

A person with symptoms associated with hantavirus was admitted to the emergency room of São Francisco Xavier Hospital. The test performed came back negative and the patient was discharged.

Martin Andrade
May 19, 2026, 8:48 PM

A person with symptoms associated with hantavirus was admitted to the emergency room of São Francisco Xavier Hospital on Monday afternoon, according to RTP . After following the guidelines of the Directorate-General of Health, the test performed came back negative, but the person was transferred to Curry Cabral Hospital.

The patient is a Portuguese national and presented with flu-like signs and symptoms, the DGS explained in response to RTP . This suspected case is linked to the air transport of the now-confirmed cases that emerged on the MV Hondius ship last month.

The DGS confirmed to Observador that after the negative test result came back "a few hours" after the patient was admitted to the emergency room, thus ruling out the suspicion of hantavirus infection, " the individual was discharged ."

https://observador.pt/2026/05/19/primeiro-caso-suspeito-de-hantavirus-em-portugal-teste-deu-negativo-apos-sintomas-de-gripe/

[sharon sanders]

World Health Organization (WHO)
@WHO
"Now a brief update on the #hantavirus outbreak among passengers and crew on board the cruise ship MV Hondius. Today, the Netherlands confirmed an additional case among a crew member who disembarked in Tenerife, was repatriated to the Netherlands and has been isolating since then. There are now 12 reported cases and 3 reported deaths. No deaths have been reported since the 2nd of May, when the outbreak was first reported to WHO. We continue to urge affected countries to monitor all passengers and crew carefully for the remainder of the quarantine period. More than 600 contacts continue to be followed in 30 countries, and a small number of high-risk contacts are still being located. Once again, I thank the many countries that have cooperated in the response, and the epidemiological investigation: Argentina, Cabo Verde, Chile, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and European Union"-
@DrTedros
8:24 AM · May 22, 2026
·
4,872
Views

[Pathfinder]

Follow up on Sharon's post above (#216)
Confirmation from the Netherlands MoH:

Translation Google



Current information about hantavirus
...
22-05-2026 | 14:50

Dutch person in quarantine has Andean virus

The Andes virus has been detected in one person who was in quarantine in the Netherlands. The patient has since been admitted to the hospital as a precaution and is in isolation. GGD maps out any contacts of the patient. The person was in home quarantine after close contact with sick people with Andean virus on board the ship.

The RIVM does not share personal information about the patient.

Laboratory research by the RIVM and the Erasmus MC showed that the person has the Andes virus. This test is performed every week on all persons in quarantine in the Netherlands.

Chance of spread still very small

The RIVM understands that this news may raise questions or concerns. However, the chance of further spread in the Netherlands remains very small. Strict precautionary measures were immediately taken during the outbreak on the cruise ship and the transport of passengers to the Netherlands. This applies to the people who were flown to the Netherlands and to the passengers who brought the ship to Rotterdam. People who may have been at risk of contracting the virus went into quarantine immediately upon arrival in the Netherlands. Their health is being closely monitored by the GGD. Thanks to this monitoring, the virus could be detected early in the patient.

Have you not been to South America, have not come into contact with rice rats in South America and their excrement, and have you not had close contact with any of the people on board the ship or any of the flights ofSt.-Helena to Johannesburg or from Johannesburg to Amsterdam, then you don't need to worry.
...

https://www.rivm.nl/hantavirusinfectie/actueel

[Pathfinder]

Netherlands -

Translation Google

New case of hantavirus in the Netherlands; the crew member is in isolation in hospital.

The hantavirus has been confirmed in a crew member of the cruise ship Hondius. The Dutch national was previously repatriated from Tenerife and subsequently went into home quarantine. The person is now in isolation at a university hospital.

Laboratory tests by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and Erasmus MC have confirmed the virus. The organizations test all people in quarantine in the Netherlands every week.

The crew member had close contact on the Hondius with passengers infected with the hantavirus. Although the person was in quarantine, the Municipal Health Service is now mapping out any potential contacts of the patient, according to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). Further personal information about the patient, such as the region in which they live, is not being provided.

According to Minister of Health Sophie Hermans (VVD), the Dutch national had a positive test result on Wednesday and tested positive again on Thursday. She reports that the person is currently not ill. 'The Cabinet is pleased to see that home quarantine and monitoring are working and hopes that this person can return home soon,' said the minister.

23 people in quarantine

The RIVM says it understands that this new infection raises questions and concerns, but states that the chance of further spread in the Netherlands is 'still very small'. 'Strict precautionary measures were taken immediately' regarding the Hondius passengers who arrived in the Netherlands by both plane and ship. It was precisely due to the continuous and effective monitoring that the infection could be detected early, according to the RIVM.

Because the ship arrived in the port of Rotterdam, the GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond currently has 23 people under supervision in quarantine. 'They have all still tested negative,' according to a spokesperson. 'But the virus has an incubation period, so that could still change. That is why people are in isolation.'

https://www.volkskrant.nl/hantavirus/nieuw-geval-hantavirus-in-nederland-het-bemanningslid-is-in-isolatie-in-ziekenhuis~bafed389/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

[Pathfinder]

Speaking Remarks for the Chief Public Health Officer

From: Public Health Agency of Canada

Speech

Ebola Disease and Hantavirus Technical Briefing

May 22, 2026
1:00pm EST
...

Hantavirus Update

I will now turn briefly to the situation regarding Andes hantavirus.

Canada confirmed a case of Andes hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship earlier this month. At this time, there have been no additional cases identified in Canada beyond the initial confirmed case in British Columbia, and all high-risk contacts continue to be monitored by local public health authorities.

The overall risk to the general population in Canada remains low at this time.

We continue to take a precautionary approach given the severity of this virus, while recognizing that person-to-person transmission of Andes hantavirus is rare and typically requires close, prolonged contact with someone who is symptomatic.

Our thoughts are with the individual in hospital in British Columbia and their family. We thank our public health colleagues and the clinical team for the excellent care and support they are providing.
...

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2026/05/speaking-remarks-for-the-chief-public-health-officer0.html

[Pathfinder]

2:16 PM · May 24, 2026

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Spain MoH



12:36 PM · May 25, 2026

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12:54 AM · May 27, 2026

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Prime Minister of France:


10:37 AM · May 26, 2026