Seventeen Americans from the MV Hondius cruise ship arrived in Nebraska early Monday, May 11, 2026, after a rare hantavirus outbreak linked to the vessel prompted a US medical response.

The passengers landed at Omaha Eppley Airfield at about 2:30 a.m. ET and were taken for medical evaluation and monitoring, officials said.

One US Passenger Tests Positive

US health officials said one American passenger tested mildly positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus, while another had mild symptoms and was moved for treatment and observation.

Two passengers traveled in specialized biocontainment units as a precaution. Officials said the wider public risk remains low, though the Andes strain is closely watched because rare person-to-person spread is possible.

Deadly MV Hondius Outbreak Under Investigation

The MV Hondius outbreak has been linked to multiple infections and three deaths during a voyage that began from Argentina on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.

The ship later reached Spain’s Canary Islands, where passengers were screened and repatriation efforts began. The World Health Organization said seven hantavirus cases had been confirmed, with additional suspected cases under review.

Health authorities are investigating whether exposure occurred during the South Atlantic journey, including possible contact with infected rodents or contaminated environments.

Why Officials Are Monitoring Passengers

Hantavirus can cause severe lung illness, and early monitoring helps doctors detect symptoms before they worsen.

US and European health agencies are continuing clinical checks, isolation protocols and contact tracing as passengers from the Hondius return to their home countries.