United States activates CDC emergency over hantavirus outbreak
PUBLISHED May 8, 2026, 1:44 PM ET
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has activated a Level 3 emergency response after a lethal outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship M/V Hondius. Health officials report at least eight cases, including five laboratory-confirmed infections and three deaths among passengers from a vessel carrying about 150 people of 23 nationalities. Since April, health departments in at least five U.S. states have been monitoring disembarked passengers to prevent domestic transmission of the virus, which can spread human to human. CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officers are assisting local authorities as onboard isolations and evacuations continue.
By Noormahi M. | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- April Passengers disembark, states begin monitoring
- Recent days Eight hantavirus cases confirmed globally
- Recent days Three deaths among infected cruise passengers
- Recent days WHO confirms fatalities from M/V Hondius
- Today CDC activates Level 3 emergency response
- Today Five U.S. states track exposed passengers
- Today Epidemic Intelligence Service officers deployed nationwide
- Today M/V Hondius located near Canary Islands
News Intelligence
- The hantavirus outbreak is a health concern. It's spreading from person to person, including in the U.S. If you've been on a cruise recently, especially the M/V Hondius, pay attention to your health. Report any flu-like symptoms to your doctor immediately.
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