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Hantavirus live updates: CDC classifies outbreak as 'Level 3' emergency response

Level 3 is the lowest level of emergency activation, according to the CDC.

Last Updated: May 8, 2026, 12:09 PM EDT

Global health authorities are working to contain an outbreak of hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.

The total number of confirmed cases associated with the outbreak is increasing, health officials said. To date, three people who were aboard the ship are known to have died of the virus.

More than 100 passengers remain on the ship, and the World Health Organization is monitoring their health. Officials said that the "overall public health risk remains low" but that there may be some person-to-person spread.

Health officials in multiple states say they're monitoring some passengers who have returned to the U.S. after being aboard the ship for potential hantavirus infections.

May 8, 10:44 am

What is hantavirus and how does it spread?

A suspected hantavirus cluster aboard a cruise ship has raised concerns about the rare, rodent-borne disease.

Here's what you need to know about hantavirus including what it is, how it spreads, how it's treated and if there are any prevention methods:

What is hantavirus?

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause serious illnesses and death, according to the CDC.

Stock photo of a colorized electron micrograph of the Hantavirus.
Alfred Pasieka/Science Photo Lib/STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images

How does hantavirus spread?

Hantaviruses are usually spread through rodents, including rats and mice, mostly from exposure to urine, droppings or saliva. Although the viruses can spread through a rodent bite or scratch, such infection is rare, the CDC says.

Hantaviruses may also spread from person to person, but that also is rare and only suspected for one subtype from South America, according to the WHO.

Read more about hantavirus here.

4:42 AM EDT

UK says 'British national on Tristan da Cunha' tests positive

The United Kingdom's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced on Friday morning there is “an additional suspected case of a British national on Tristan da Cunha,” while a Dutch KLM flight attendant who was thought to have it has tested negative for Hantavirus, officials said.

The total case suspected count remains at 12 after these latest developments.

UKHSA also said that “All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius will be asked to isolate for 45 days upon returning to the UK and UKHSA will closely monitor these individuals, with testing as required.”

-ABC News' Zoe Magee

May 07, 2026, 11:07 PM EDT

CDC classifies outbreak as 'Level 3' emergency response -- lowest level of emergency activation

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) activated its Emergency Operations Centers and has classified the hantavirus outbreak as "Level 3," multiple sources told ABC News.

That's the lowest level of emergency activation and is typical for this stage. It signifies the risk to the general public remains low, but the situation is being actively monitored by the public health agency.

Activating the Emergency Operation Centers indicates that an emergency team has been set up to support a response. Epidemiologists, scientists and physicians may have been re-assigned from their typical roles to assist with the response.

-ABC News' Youri Benadjaoud

May 07, 2026, 11:04 PM EDT

Cruise passenger gives update as ship makes way to Canary Islands

One of the passengers aboard the cruise ship at the center of a cluster of hantavirus cases, says other passengers aboard the MV Hondius ship are remaining calm and keeping their spirits up.

In a statement provided to ABC News, passenger Kasem Ibn Hattuta said several doctors are now on board, which he said is reassuring to passengers, who are wearing masks and keeping their distance inside the ship.

"The vibe on the ship might’ve been calm with a bit of concern because we were worried about the sick ones, but now it doesn’t feel different than any of the other sea days we had before," he said in the statement. "Everyone is keeping high spirit[s], people are smiling and taking the situation calmly."

The MV Hondius cruise ship departs the port in Praia, Cape Verde, May 6, 2026.
Misper Apawu/AP

The statement went on to say: "We had several doctors join us on the ship before departing Cape Verde, which was also reassuring as we now have specialists on board, no one currently has any hanta related symptoms and we hope it continues this way."

He said passengers are free to share whatever they like online but some passengers have chosen not to post anything publicly because they want to maintain their privacy.

May 07, 2026, 9:58 PM EDT

Trump on hantavirus: 'It should be fine'

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters on Thursday evening, said he has been briefed about the hantavirus cases tied to the MV Hondius cruise ship.

"It should be fine. We hope," Trump said.

He indicated his administration would be issuing a "full report" on Friday, but did not provide any further details.

“It's very much -- we hope -- under control. It was the ship, and I think we're going to make a full report about it tomorrow," Trump said. "We have a lot of people, a lot of great people, are studying it."

Asked if Americans should be concerned the virus may spread, Trump said: "I hope not. I mean, I hope not. We’ll do the best we can."

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