US Closely Tracking Hantavirus Outbreak Among Passengers on Stricken Polar Cruise Vessel

Serious hantavirus cases prompted medical evacuations as U.S. and international agencies launched coordinated response operations aboard a cruise vessel.

A boat heads toward the port from the cruise ship MV Hondius, stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 6, 2026. AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. government says it is closely monitoring the situation with U.S. travelers onboard the MV Hondius luxury cruise ship, where confirmed cases of the hantavirus have already killed three, federal health officials said on May 6.

The U.S. Department of State is leading a coordinated, whole-of-government response that includes direct contact with passengers, diplomatic coordination, and collaboration with domestic and international health authorities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.