Two of the 17 American passengers aboard the M/V Hondius, where a Hantavirus outbreak was recently reported, have developed symptoms associated with the disease, with one testing positive for one of the viruses linked to Hantavirus.
The development was confirmed by the U.S. health authority, NNS, which also announced that all 17 American citizens aboard the vessel had been flown back to the United States for further medical care and monitoring.
Hantavirus is a disease caused by viruses commonly carried by rodents, especially rats and mice. Humans can become infected by inhaling air contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
The virus can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes, as well as through consuming contaminated food or water.
The outbreak gained global attention after passengers aboard the M/V Hondius, which began its voyage to Antarctica in March 2026, started dying during the trip. Investigations later confirmed that Hantavirus was responsible for the deaths.
The vessel was effectively stranded at sea near the Canary Islands after several countries reportedly refused to allow it to dock, fearing that infected passengers could spread the disease further.
However, different countries have since begun evacuating their citizens from the ship, with many passengers being placed under quarantine upon arrival in their home countries.