American passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship have been evacuated and repatriated to the United States following a confirmed hantavirus outbreak on the vessel. At least one U.S. passenger tested positive for the virus and at least one other is exhibiting symptoms, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed. The ship docked in the Canary Islands as part of the emergency response.

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly illness typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. It is not known to spread easily between people, though the appearance of multiple cases in a confined setting like a cruise ship has raised concern among public health officials. Authorities have been monitoring all passengers and crew for signs of illness.

Federal agencies coordinated the repatriation of affected American passengers, with evacuees arriving back in the United States under health monitoring protocols. Nebraska was mentioned in connection with at least one patient's home state. The broader passenger manifest includes travelers from multiple countries, and international health authorities have also been involved in the response.

The MV Hondius, a polar expedition vessel operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, had been undertaking a voyage when the outbreak was identified. Investigators are working to determine the likely source of exposure, which may have been at a port of call or a land excursion during the trip. Officials have not yet publicly confirmed a definitive origin point for the infections.

HHS and the CDC are tracking the cases and have been in communication with affected passengers and their families. Public health experts note that hantavirus infections can be severe, with a significant fatality rate in some forms, though outcomes depend heavily on the strain involved and the speed of medical intervention. Authorities say they will continue to assess the situation as test results and epidemiological data are compiled.