File photo of an expedition cruise ship

The evacuation of passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship after an outbreak of Andes hantavirus is expected to be completed on Monday, health authorities said, as countries continue coordinating the return and monitoring of potentially exposed travelers.

The Dutch-flagged expedition vessel, carrying about 147 passengers and crew from more than 20 countries, had been traveling near Antarctica before several infections were detected. At least three people have died in connection with the outbreak, while multiple confirmed and suspected cases remain under medical observation.

Passengers were transferred off the ship in Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, where international health teams organized quarantine measures and repatriation flights. Authorities from the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Australia and several European countries have been involved in returning citizens home safely.

The World Health Organization said the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, a rare variant capable of limited human-to-human transmission. Health officials stressed that the virus spreads far less easily than respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and typically requires prolonged close contact.

A French passenger who returned home after leaving the ship later tested positive for the virus and was reported to be in serious condition, according to local health officials.

Roughly 30 crew members and medical personnel are expected to remain aboard the vessel as it heads back to the Netherlands, where the ship will undergo a full disinfection process.

Health agencies advised anyone who may have been exposed to monitor symptoms and follow quarantine guidance for up to 42 days.

Source: Reporting based on information from Reuters, the World Health Organization and public health authorities.

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