Topline
Health professionals are sounding alarms about the U.S.’s preparedness for a potential hantavirus outbreak. This follows news that several passengers returned home after a cruise without realizing they were exposed to a dangerous disease that was spreading on board.
Timeline
Outside the Lincoln Memorial, Trump addressed the hantavirus situation: “It’s very much, we hope, under control…A lot of great people are studying it.”
He maintained, “It should be fine,” and when questioned on public worry, he added, “I hope not…we’ll do our best.”
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, from the Infectious Diseases Society of America, claimed the U.S. is “not prepared” for a hantavirus outbreak, citing cuts to the CDC and USAID during the Trump era, alongside the nation’s exit from the World Health Organization.
Medical professionals are contradicting viral claims that ivermectin, a drug generally used for livestock, could effectively treat hantavirus.
According to Oceanwide Expeditions, which oversees the cruise ship MV Hondius, at least 29 passengers from various countries left the vessel after a passenger’s death, before the outbreak was identified. These countries include Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the U.S.
Texas health officials are tracking two residents, who show no symptoms, from the MV Hondius linked to the outbreak.
California officials are also watching an undisclosed number of residents from the cruise, asserting that there are currently no confirmed illnesses among them. Meanwhile, Arizona and Georgia health authorities are monitoring three more individuals, all of whom remain healthy.
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus of WHO mentioned that several passengers flew to Johannesburg with a woman from the ship who later passed away.
Ghebreyesus noted that none of the remaining passengers or crew show symptoms, but warned that “it is possible more cases will be reported,” since symptoms could take up to six weeks to manifest. He reassured that the public health risk is still “low.”
A flight attendant in the Netherlands, who exhibited mild symptoms after brief contact with an infected passenger, is undergoing tests for the virus.
An international research team is reportedly working on a vaccine for hantavirus.
Reports claim that Luis Rodríguez, the CDC official dealing with cruise ship health, is retiring. A successor has not yet been named.
Maria Van Kerkhove of WHO stated, “This is not the next COVID, but it is a serious infectious disease,” emphasizing that most individuals will never experience exposure.
The WHO has confirmed five lab-positive hantavirus cases, with at least three additional suspected among passengers and crew.
Argentine officials suggest the outbreak may have originated from a bird-watching trip that placed the deceased couple in a landfill, where they could have encountered rodents carrying the virus.
It has been confirmed that the outbreak is of the Andes strain, recognized as especially lethal and the only known variant that spreads between people.
Spanish health minister Monica Garcia mentioned that the MV Hondius is navigating towards Granadilla port in Tenerife, where passengers will disembark by May 11. Quarantine protocols are set for symptomatic Spanish citizens, while others without symptoms will be allowed to go home.
Three individuals requiring medical assistance, including two in serious condition, have been airlifted from the MV Hondius to the Netherlands.
A man who sailed earlier on the ship, then returned to Switzerland, is hospitalized with a strain of hantavirus. This marks the first known instance of illness following the cruise, and authorities are engaged in contact tracing efforts.
The South African health department confirmed that tests conducted on infected passengers from the MV Hondius verify the presence of the Andes virus, which has a high fatality rate.
The World Health Organization confirmed the hantavirus outbreak on the ship, noting two lab-confirmed cases and five suspected ones.
Cape Verdean authorities have denied the MV Hondius docking rights at Praia port to safeguard public health.
A German passenger died aboard the MV Hondius.
A British passenger was medically evacuated to South Africa and received care in an intensive care unit, confirmed to have a variant of hantavirus.
The wife of the initial victim died in Johannesburg after collapsing at an airport; she had also tested positive for hantavirus.
A 70-year-old Dutch man died on the MV Hondius. Nearly two weeks later, his body was offloaded while the cause of death was still under investigation.
The MV Hondius set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina.
Crucial Quote
“It’s been quite a mammoth effort,” noted professor Robin May from the UK Health Security Agency, discussing the ongoing contact tracing of the ship’s passengers. “We will continue to do that if additional information comes to light.”
Where Is The MV Hondius?
As of Thursday, the ship is navigating off the coast of West Africa, heading toward the Canary Islands. Passengers are in isolation in their cabins, while teams of healthcare professionals are on board in protective gear.
Big Number
Almost 150 individuals are currently aboard the MV Hondius, representing 23 countries, including 17 from the United States.
Key Background
The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1, bound for the Canary Islands, with stops at various remote locations. It sought to dock at Praia in Cape Verde but was denied entry. So far, three cases have been confirmed, along with five suspected cases, amid three fatalities.
Tangent
A passenger who was aboard the MV Hondius for a significant part of the journey mentioned that the cruise operator didn’t warn them about any potential health risks following the death of the first passenger. Ruhi Cenet, a Turkish Youtuber, expressed frustration over how the situation was managed, stating passengers were assured there was no risk, so they didn’t take necessary precautions while socializing on board. The cruise operator argued they could only inform passengers when they were aware of the fatality’s cause.
What Is The Andes Hantavirus?
The Andes strain is notably the only known hantavirus that can spread between people. Typically, hantavirus spreads through contact with rodent droppings or urine. But notably, no rodents have been detected on the MV Hondius. The Andes strain is prevalent in parts of South America, and person-to-person spread occurs mainly in close, prolonged interactions early in the illness’ progression. The CDC advises that symptoms can develop from one to eight weeks after exposure, asserting a “low” risk for the general population given proper precautions.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses can lead to two main syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, mostly observed in the Americas, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, more common in Europe and Asia. Early symptoms of the pulmonary syndrome include fatigue, fever, muscle pain, and abdominal distress, progressing to breathing difficulties. The fatality rate for those with respiratory symptoms is around 38%. The renal syndrome affects kidneys and presents a range of symptoms, including blurred vision and acute shock—severity and mortality rates can differ significantly based on the virus strain.
How Is Hantavirus Treated?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections, but patients often receive supportive care, such as oxygen therapy for respiratory issues or dialysis for kidney failure.
Surprising Fact
In early 2025, Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Further Reading
Andes Hantavirus Outbreak In 2018 Gives Hope Of Avoiding ‘Epidemic,’ Officials Say
29 Passengers Got Off Hantavirus Cruise Ship After First Death—Flight Attendant Hospitalized With Symptoms
