US health authorities have launched MV Hondius hantavirus US monitoring of passengers who returned home early from the Dutch expedition cruise ship. Public health departments in Georgia, Arizona and California are now tracking individuals who disembarked before officials fully identified the outbreak.

None of the monitored people have developed symptoms. The step follows a hantavirus cluster aboard the MV Hondius that earlier claimed three lives.

Three US States Conduct MV Hondius Hantavirus US Monitoring

Georgia’s Department of Public Health is monitoring two residents who returned from the ship. Both remain in good health and show no signs of infection, officials said.

Arizona health services are tracking one returned passenger who is also asymptomatic. California’s Department of Public Health confirmed it is assisting local authorities with monitoring state residents notified by the CDC.

All individuals under observation follow current CDC guidance.

CDC Assesses Extremely Low Risk to American Public

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the risk to the American public from this situation remains extremely low. Hantavirus spreads mainly through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine or saliva. Most strains do not pass easily from person to person.

The CDC added that it coordinates with state health departments and international partners to keep US travellers safe.

International Context and Next Steps

The MV Hondius carried nearly 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries on a polar expedition that began in Ushuaia, Argentina, in early April 2026. Several passengers left the vessel at earlier ports before enhanced health protocols took effect.

The World Health Organization reports the global public health risk stays low. Investigations continue into the exact source of exposure while the ship sails toward Spain’s Canary Islands under strict isolation measures.

South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases previously confirmed the Andes strain of hantavirus in two cases linked to the vessel.