Monitoring Underway for New Jersey Residents Exposed to Hantavirus from Cruise Ship

Health officials in New Jersey are closely monitoring two residents who may have been exposed to hantavirus after a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship disembarked. Although these individuals are asymptomatic and were not on the ship, the precautionary measures are in place following guidance from the CDC. The risk to the general public remains low, and no confirmed cases have been reported in the state. Meanwhile, the situation is being monitored across several other states, and plans for repatriation of American citizens aboard the ship are underway. The global response to the outbreak continues as health authorities remain vigilant.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 00:54 IST

Health Officials Respond to Hantavirus Exposure

Two individuals from New Jersey are currently under observation after potential exposure to hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, as reported by state health authorities. The New Jersey Department of Health received information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicating that these residents might have been exposed while traveling abroad after an infected passenger disembarked from the ship. Importantly, these individuals were not on the cruise itself and are asymptomatic at this time. Officials clarified that their monitoring is a precautionary measure. Mikie Sherrill, in a social media statement, reassured that there are no confirmed hantavirus cases in New Jersey and that residents will be kept updated as the situation evolves. Health officials reiterated that the general public's risk remains very low.

In the United States, hantavirus infections are primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents and are not typically spread between people. However, the Andes virus, associated with the outbreak on the MV Hondius, has the potential for rare human-to-human transmission through prolonged close contact or exposure to bodily fluids. Health officials emphasized that individuals without symptoms are not considered infectious. The incubation period for hantavirus can vary from four days to over a month.

Additionally, health authorities in five other states—Georgia, Texas, Virginia, Arizona, and California—are also monitoring passengers who were on the cruise ship prior to the confirmation of cases. To date, no illnesses have been reported among those under observation.

In related news, the US Department of State has announced plans to organize a repatriation flight for American citizens aboard the ship once it docks in Tenerife, Spain. US diplomats are expected to collaborate with the CDC, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Spanish government to assist travelers.

Global Hantavirus Situation

Globally, there have been nine confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases and three fatalities linked to the outbreak on the MV Hondius. Spanish authorities are preparing to receive over 140 passengers and crew members when the ship arrives in Tenerife early Sunday. Health officials have stated that the evacuation process will be conducted with caution upon arrival. The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, reported that as of Thursday, no passengers or crew members exhibited symptoms of potential infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that the overall public risk from this outbreak remains low. On Friday, the WHO confirmed that a flight attendant who briefly boarded a plane used by an infected passenger tested negative for hantavirus. Furthermore, British authorities have reported a suspected new case involving a British national on a remote island visited by the MV Hondius during an April stop.