A drone view of the cruise ship MV Hondius, carrying passengers suspected of having cases of hantavirus on board, as it prepares to leave Praia, Cape Verde, May 6, 2026. REUTERS/Danilson Sequeira
(New York, New York) – More than 20 cruise passengers have reportedly returned to their home countries after being exposed to hantavirus, raising concern among health officials.
The passengers were aboard a cruise where exposure to the virus was reported. At least one person has already become sick, and others have since traveled back to several countries, including the United States.
Hantavirus is rare, but it can be dangerous depending on the strain and level of exposure. Health officials are now facing the difficult task of tracking passengers after they dispersed internationally.
The situation is sparking questions about how quickly passengers were warned, what precautions were taken aboard the ship and whether more cases could emerge in the coming days.
For now, authorities are monitoring the situation as a public health concern, especially because cruise travel can make containment and follow-up more complicated.
