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WHO classifies all aboard Hondius as high-risk contacts; 42-day monitoring planned
The World Health Organization designated everyone on the cruise ship Hondius as high-risk contacts and recommended 42 days of active monitoring for all on board as hantavirus aboard the vessel is investigated. The outbreak has caused three deaths among eight confirmed or suspected cases, with person-to-person transmission of the Andes virus confirmed in six cases. International coordination is underway for safe disembarkation and cross-border repatriation planning.
Why It Matters
This event underscores international health coordination required for a rare hantavirus outbreak on a moving vessel, potential cross-border health risks, and the need for long-term monitoring of exposed individuals.
Timeline
5 Events
Hondius expected to anchor near Tenerife the following day
May 9, 2026
The Hondius is heading toward the waters off Tenerife and is expected to anchor on Sunday (May 10, 2026).
42-day monitoring clock starts for all disembarking passengers and crew
May 9, 2026
WHO stated that everyone coming off the ship would need to be monitored for 42 days, starting from their last point of exposure to a confirmed or suspected hantavirus case; the clock has already begun.
WHO coordinates with Spain, the Netherlands, ship operator, and experts on disembarkment plans
May 9, 2026
WHO said it is coordinating with member states, in particular Spain and the Netherlands, as well as the ship's operator and international experts on the best way forward. Countries were briefed on plans for safe and dignified disembarkation, including pathways for symptomatic individuals for medical evacuation to the Netherlands and for those without symptoms to return home by plane.
Deaths and cases update: three dead among eight confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases; Andes virus confirmed in six
May 9, 2026
Three passengers — a Dutch husband and wife and a German woman — have died, from eight confirmed and suspected cases of hantavirus. The Andes virus, the only hantavirus type known to transmit between people, has been confirmed among the six cases that tested positive.
WHO designates all aboard Hondius as high-risk contacts; 42-day monitoring recommended
May 9, 2026
The WHO said that everyone on the cruise ship Hondius is a high-risk contact and should be actively monitored for 42 days. The agency noted there are currently no symptoms on board and stressed that public risk remains low.