Global Health Authorities Say Hantavirus Risk Is Low As Countries Prep Repatriation Flights For Citizens Stranded On Cruise Ship.

Global health authorities say the risk of hantavirus transmission remains low even as several countries prepare repatriation flights for citizens stranded after the outbreak aboard the Dutch‑flagged cruise ship MV Hondius.

The vessel, which has moved along the Atlantic route between Argentina, Cabo Verde and the Canary Islands, currently holds passengers from 23 countries, and governments are coordinating controlled evacuations.

Citizens are being brought home directly from the ship positioned off the Canary Islands after earlier stops in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Cabo Verde and St. Helena, with the United States arranging a CDC‑supervised medical flight for its nationals while Canada and several European countries plan staggered disembarkation.

Officials maintain that the overall risk remains low because the Andes strain requires close, prolonged contact and is not airborne, and no new symptoms have been reported among those still on board.

Investigators continue tracing the likely exposure linked to earlier South American stops, but governments say strict screening, isolation corridors and medical oversight will ensure citizens are brought home safely without increasing public health risk.