Hantavirus Case Identified in Evacuated Cruise Passenger, French Traveler Develops Symptoms

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Hantavirus Case Identified in Evacuated Cruise Passenger, French Traveler Develops Symptoms | AirNews

An American passenger evacuated from the hantavirus-affected MV Hondius cruise ship tested positive for the virus but remains asymptomatic, U.S. health officials confirmed on May 10, 2026. The passenger was among 17 Americans flown from Tenerife, Spain, aboard a military aircraft bound for Omaha, Nebraska, where they were to be assessed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's quarantine facility.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that one of five French evacuees developed symptoms during the flight to Paris and all were placed in strict isolation upon arrival for immediate testing. Passengers from over 20 countries were evacuated from the ship after it docked in Tenerife, with Spanish, French, American, and other nationals flown out on separate government-chartered aircraft. Japanese authorities confirmed a national arrived in Britain via a UK-chartered flight and will undergo 45 days of health monitoring.

The World Health Organization reiterated that the public health risk remains low, noting that hantavirus is primarily spread through rodent droppings and not easily transmitted between humans, though the Andes strain involved may have rare person-to-person transmission capability. Three deaths have been linked to the outbreak, and five individuals who left the ship earlier are confirmed infected. Passengers disembarked in protective gear and were disinfected before boarding evacuation flights.

All evacuees are undergoing symptom screening and will have no contact with the general population. The MV Hondius, with some crew and the body of a deceased passenger still on board, is en route to Rotterdam for disinfection. The WHO has advised receiving countries to implement active health monitoring, including daily check-ins for returning passengers.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center will assess the American evacuees, with one transferred to its Biocontainment Unit and others to the National Quarantine Unit. Spanish health authorities, in coordination with the WHO and international governments, continue overseeing the operation, with further evacuation flights expected to conclude by May 11.