Hondius hantavirus: 18 Americans in 42‑day quarantine while CDC investigates exposure

Eighteen U.S. passengers from the MV Hondius remain in federal quarantine through the 42‑day hantavirus incubation period as the CDC interviews exposure risk and monitors for symptoms; two passengers have been tested (one who was symptomatic tested negative at a hospital, and another who was initially faintly positive has since tested negative and moved to quarantine). Several others are quarantining at home across multiple states, with health departments providing guidance on self-monitoring and precautions such as isolating in a separate home area and wearing N95 masks. No Americans have had a conclusive positive test to date. Globally, 11 hantavirus cases have been reported (eight confirmed), all linked to the Hondius, with three deaths, and the Andes strain is the only one known to spread between people, though transmission remains rare. The CDC says it is still determining how closely the passengers were exposed and continues to coordinate with states on monitoring.