Hantavirus Outbreak 2026 Update: 3 Passengers Evacuated as Number of Confirmed Cases Increases

The hantavirus outbreak continues to wreak havoc aboard the MV Hondius. Per NBC News, on Wednesday, three passengers with laboratory-confirmed hantavirus were evacuated from the cruise ship for medical treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) provided another update for the public, posting on X (Twitter) that, as of May 6, there are now eight cases, including the aforementioned three who were confirmed as hantavirus.

The WHO added that authorities in Switzerland have also confirmed a case of hantavirus. One man who had traveled aboard the Hondius is now in Zurich receiving medical care. According to the Swiss government, this does not pose a threat to the general public. The WHO has officially confirmed that the hantavirus afflicting those on the cruise ship is the Andes variant, which is transmitted from human to human. It's also found in parts of Argentina, where the ship departed from.

One passenger, a travel blogger named Kasem Hato, told NBC News that the situation has "been very calm," adding:

"People are taking the situation seriously but without any panic, trying to keep social distancing and wearing masks to be safe. ... We are not obliged to do anything, but we're trying to follow the recommendations we received of limiting close contact with other passengers and sanitizing our hands as much as possible." He revealed that the captain and crew have kept the passengers informed every step of the way.

The Hondius is still stranded off the coast of Cape Verde, with nearly 150 people on board. The plan was to continue sailing to the Canary Islands and dock there, but the regional government has pushed back.

Fernando Clavijo, the president of the Canary Islands, had this to say regarding the refusal to give the ship docking permission:

"This decision is not based on any technical criteria, nor is there sufficient information to reassure the public or guarantee their safety."

Clavijo requested a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez; however, the Spanish national government has the authority to override the archipelago's decision.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 11:16 AM.