A frightening health crisis unfolded at sea in May 2026 after a rare hantavirus outbreak aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius was linked to multiple deaths and triggered an international public health response. Authorities across several countries have been working to trace passengers and crew members after confirmed and suspected cases of the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare version of the virus that can spread between people in limited circumstances.
The illness made headlines last year when the late Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died as a result of the virus.
Here’s everything to know about the illness, whether it can be treated and what exactly happened on board the May 2026 cruise ship.
What Is the Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a rare, potentially life-threatening virus primarily spread through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In humans, it can cause serious conditions, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which often starts with flu-like symptoms before it progresses to severe respiratory issues.
Though hantavirus cases are uncommon, the illness can become severe quickly.
WHO is aware of and supporting a public health event involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean. To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases. Of the six affected individuals, three have died… pic.twitter.com/SqMAAZzoID
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 3, 2026
Can Hantavirus Spread From Person to Person?
Health experts note that human-to-human transmission of the hantavirus is extremely rare, and most infections stem from environmental exposure to rodents and their bodily fluids.
However, one type of hantavirus, the Andes virus, is known to be able to transmit from person to person, but it is rare. This type of virus is primarily found in Chile and Argentina, where the cruise ship originated.
Can the Hantavirus Be Cured?
There is currently no specific cure or antiviral treatment for hantavirus. Medical care typically focuses on supportive treatment, such as oxygen therapy or intensive care for severe cases.
Early detection of the virus is crucial. Patients who receive prompt medical attention — especially before severe respiratory symptoms develop — tend to recover in time. Still, the virus can be deadly in some cases, with certain strains carrying high mortality rates.
Which Cruise Ship Had the Hantavirus Outbreak in 2026?
The outbreak was linked to the MV Hondius, a polar expedition cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, in April 2026 and was traveling across the Atlantic toward Cape Verde and the Canary Islands when several passengers and crew members reportedly became ill. Public reports about the suspected outbreak first emerged on May 3, 2026, after concerns over multiple medical emergencies onboard sparked international attention.
Health authorities, including the WHO, launched an investigation while coordinating medical evacuations and testing to determine the source of the infections.
How Many Deaths Happened on the Cruise With Hantavirus?
As of May 7, 2026, at least three people had died in connection to the hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius. Health officials have also confirmed at least five infections tied to the voyage, while several additional suspected cases remain under investigation.
The first suspected case involved a 70-year-old Dutch passenger who developed symptoms including fever, headaches, abdominal pain, and diarrhea before dying on April 11, according to CNN.
