A plane carrying 17 repatriated U.S. citizens from the cruise ship MV Hondius landed in Nebraska on Monday, May 11, 2026 [1], [2].
This arrival marks a critical step in containing a hantavirus outbreak that has already resulted in multiple deaths and affected a ship carrying more than 140 passengers [3], [4]. The repatriation effort aims to monitor those exposed to the virus and prevent further community spread within the United States.
The passengers were transported from the Canary Islands, where the MV Hondius had been docked in Tenerife [5]. Upon arrival in Nebraska, health officials began medical screenings and observation protocols for all repatriated individuals [1], [2].
One passenger has already tested positive for the virus [2]. According to reports, the individual showed a mild PCR result for the Andes hantavirus variant [2]. The remaining passengers remain under medical observation to determine if they were infected during their time on the vessel [1], [2].
The outbreak on the MV Hondius has been severe. Reports said that at least three people have died as a result of the virus [4]. While some sources have not mentioned fatalities, others confirm the death toll as health authorities manage the crisis in Tenerife [4].
Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents. The specific Andes variant identified in this case is noted for its potential for person-to-person transmission in some circumstances, which increases the urgency of the isolation and observation measures currently in place in Nebraska [2].
“One passenger has already tested positive for the virus”
The repatriation of passengers and the identification of the Andes hantavirus variant are significant because this specific strain is rarer than other hantaviruses and has been associated with human-to-human transmission in previous outbreaks. By isolating the 17 repatriated citizens in Nebraska, health officials are attempting to mitigate the risk of a domestic cluster while managing a high-mortality event that has already claimed at least three lives on the MV Hondius.
