Hantavirus Cluster Situation Report #3

Emergency Manager's Weekly Report
5 hours ago
3 min read

World Health Organization Highlights:

· The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that between May 10-11, 125 passengers from the MV Hondius have disembarked and are being transported to their 23 home countries:

o The ship is continuing to Rotterdam, Netherlands with 30 people on board (crew and health workers).

o The response was largely a success based on international coordination and the support of the Spanish government.

· WHO has recommended that passengers should remain in isolation for 42 days.

· WHO continues to work closely with experts from all the countries involved. They have requested that they report to WHO on the health and well-being of passengers and crew weekly.

· On May 10^th, WHOs Director-General reiterated that Hantavirus is not COVID.

European Union Highlights:

· The EU Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on May 10^th reported that one new confirmed case has been reported in France:

o This patient was a former passenger who developed acute symptoms on the flight returning to France, and who is currently in intensive care.

· The Spanish Ministry of Health reported on May 11^th that one of the Spanish passengers isolated at Gómez Ulla Hospital has tested provisionally positive upon arrival:

o The individual remains isolated, asymptomatic, and in good general condition, under continuous clinical monitoring.

o The other 13 passengers have at this time tested provisionally negative.

· On May 6th, Spain requested Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) assistance for medical evacuation and transportation of EU citizens onboard the ship:

o Six evacuation flights by five members states have been completed

o Over 70 passengers were transported.

o An EU Emergency Response Coordination Center Liaison Officer has been deployed to Tenerife since May 9^th.

United Kingdom Highlights:

· On May 11^th, the UK Health Security Agency is conducting clinical assessments and testing at Arrowe Park on the Wirral, for passengers repatriated from the MV Hondius:

o A total of 20 British nationals, one UK resident German national and one Japanese passenger are located at this facility.

o Passengers will remain at Arrowe Park while they have clinical and public health assessments and testing.

o They will be fully supported and will have an assessment by and regular contact with National Health Service clinicians on site.

· Another British national is due to return to Australia.

· A further three British nationals are being treated by medical teams outside the UK:

o One in the Netherlands, one on Tristan da Cunha and a third in South Africa.

United States Highlights:

· The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that on May 11th, 18 passengers were flown to the University of Nebraska Medical Center and are under observation at the UNMC Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center:

o Nebraska Medicine and UNMC are working closely with the Douglas County Health Department, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and federal health partners to coordinate the effort.

o At this time, the individuals being monitored are well with no symptoms of illness.

· Two additional passengers who had mild symptoms were transported to Emory University's Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center in Atlanta, GA.

· The CDCs Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate with local, State and international partners.

Sources:

· WHO Twitter Page

· CDC Twitter Page

· UNMC Global Center for Health Security Twitter Page

· UK Health Security Agency Twitter Page

· Spain Ministry of Health Twitter Page

· European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Bluesky Page

Resources

WHO, Management of contacts of Andes virus (ANDV) cases from the MV Hondius cruise ship (New)

https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/management-of-contacts-of-andes-virus-(andv)-cases-fromthe-mv-hondius-cruise-ship

CDC Health Advisory: 2026 Multi-country Hantavirus Cluster Linked to Cruise Ship (New)