CDC Issues Update on Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to M/V Hondius Cruise Ship

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 12 cases of hantavirus infection linked to the M/V Hondius cruise ship, with three hospitalizations reported as of May 19, 2026, according to a public health update released by the agency. The outbreak, first identified in April 2026, involves passengers and crew who sailed on the ship between March 15 and April 5, 2026, according to CDC data.

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The CDC reported that all 12 cases occurred in individuals who traveled on the M/V Hondius during the specified period, with symptoms including fever, muscle aches, and respiratory distress. Seven patients required hospitalization, and three were admitted to intensive care units, the agency stated. No deaths have been reported as of the latest update. The CDC emphasized that hantavirus is primarily transmitted through rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, and that the cruise ship’s outbreak appears to be linked to rodent activity in onboard facilities.

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The CDC’s update details that public health officials conducted environmental inspections of the M/V Hondius following the initial reports of illness. Investigators found evidence of rodent infestation in storage areas and maintenance spaces, though no active rodent populations were detected during the inspections. “The presence of rodent activity likely contributed to the transmission of hantavirus among passengers and crew,” the CDC stated in its report.

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Hantavirus is a rare but severe disease caused by viruses spread to humans through contact with infected rodents. The CDC notes that the virus is not transmitted between humans and requires direct exposure to rodent excreta. Symptoms typically appear within one to five weeks after exposure and can progress to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a life-threatening condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs.

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The CDC has advised cruise line operators to enhance rodent control measures and improve sanitation protocols on vessels. “We are working closely with the cruise industry to prevent further cases and ensure that public health safeguards are in place,” said Dr. Lisa Lee, a CDC spokesperson. The agency also urged travelers to report any symptoms following recent cruises and to avoid contact with rodents in both travel and residential settings.

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Public health officials are continuing to monitor the situation, with no new cases reported in the past two weeks. The CDC has not issued a travel advisory for the M/V Hondius but has recommended that individuals who sailed on the ship between March 15 and April 5, 2026, consult their healthcare providers if they develop symptoms.

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This outbreak marks the second hantavirus incident linked to a cruise ship in recent years. In 2021, a similar outbreak occurred on the MS Costa Allegra, resulting in four confirmed cases and one fatality. Public health experts have noted that while hantavirus is uncommon, cruise ships with older infrastructure or high passenger turnover may pose elevated risks due to the potential for rodent infestations.

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The CDC’s update underscores the importance of proactive rodent control in maritime environments. “Hantavirus is preventable with proper sanitation and pest management,” said Dr. Michael Torres, a public health epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco. “Cruise lines must prioritize these measures to protect passengers and crew.”

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As of May 19, 2026, no additional cases have been reported, and the CDC has not identified any ongoing transmission chains. The agency continues to collaborate with state health departments to investigate potential exposures and provide guidance to affected individuals.

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For more information on hantavirus and prevention strategies, the CDC recommends visiting its official website or contacting local public health authorities.