M/V Hondius — Atlantic Odyssey: Tracking the First Andes Hantavirus Outbreak at Sea

This animation traces the 45-day voyage of the expedition cruise ship M/V Hondius from Ushuaia, Argentina to the English Channel (1 Apr – 15 May 2026), during which an outbreak of Andes hantavirus was identified on board. The first passenger fell ill on Day 5 and died on Day 10 — the first known death from hantavirus on a cruise ship. Over the following weeks, cases emerged among passengers and crew as the ship continued northward through the South Atlantic, with affected individuals evacuated at Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and by air to the Netherlands. Cape Verde refused the ship entry, and Tenerife in the Canary Island allowed their disembarkation and departure by plane. Three passengers tested positive on their flights to France, Spain and the United States. By 15 May, 11 cases had been identified (8 confirmed, 2 probable, 1 under review) with 3 deaths, and passengers had dispersed to 7+ countries. The ship remains at sea as of this date. Secondary cases and exposed individuals of the ship passengers and crew are not included in this animation.

Because the outbreak investigation is ongoing and publicly available information remains incomplete and rapidly evolving, some details may later change as additional reporting and updates emerge. Corrections or additional sourced information may be sent to info@whn.global.