US health authorities are monitoring residents in at least three states following a deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The situation emerged after the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert regarding infections connected to the cruise ship, where three deaths and several confirmed and suspected cases have been reported since April.
The outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, which has led to infections, evacuations, and monitoring efforts across multiple countries, including Canada, Denmark, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In the US, health officials are currently monitoring passengers in Georgia, California, and Arizona who recently returned from the cruise. Authorities say none of the individuals under observation have shown symptoms so far.
The MV Hondius began its voyage from Argentina, and international contact tracing efforts intensified after some passengers left the ship before the outbreak was fully identified. Health agencies in several countries are now working to track individuals who may have been exposed.
The outbreak comes as the United States prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, raising concerns about travel-related health risks during a period expected to involve significant international movement.
Hantavirus is generally transmitted through exposure to infected rodent saliva, urine, or droppings. However, the Andes strain is considered more concerning because limited human-to-human transmission has been documented in previous outbreaks.
For now, US officials say the monitored passengers remain healthy, but authorities continue to closely observe the situation as global investigations remain underway.
