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International Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to Cruise Ship Raises Health Concerns

KVIA•Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 12:53 PM•CNN Newsource

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed five cases of hantavirus among passengers of the MV Hondius cruise ship, which departed Argentina last month. Tragically, three individuals, including a Dutch couple, have died since the ship's journey began. Currently, 146 passengers from 23 countries remain on board under strict health precautions, with plans to arrive in Spain's Canary Islands this weekend. Health authorities in multiple countries, including the US, Netherlands, and Singapore, are monitoring individuals for potential hantavirus exposure, emphasizing the need for international contact tracing. While the WHO does not foresee a widespread epidemic akin to COVID-19, the situation is being closely monitored due to the virus's potential severity.

Key Details: • MV Hondius is scheduled to arrive in Tenerife, Canary Islands, this Sunday. • Health authorities in the US are monitoring three individuals who returned home after disembarking. • Passengers from the Netherlands, UK, and Singapore are undergoing testing and isolation as a precaution.

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