Find the latest updates on the Andes virus here, following the outbreak aboard the cruise ship m/v Hondius.
12-05-2026 | 15:45
Test results first step in medical screening of repatriated passengers
On Sunday evening 10 May, the first flight with 26 persons including 8 Dutch passengers arrived at Eindhoven Airport. Upon arrival in the Netherlands, these persons were thoroughly medically screened. At the airport, all those involved had samples taken for laboratory testing. The test results were negative. RIVM does not publish any statements about individual results.
The samples collected in the Netherlands have been analysed by both RIVM and the Erasmus MC for additional certainty regarding the results. The tests measure whether someone is or was infected with the Andes virus.
Testing for the Andes virus
Andes virus testing is part of the protocol for the early detection of infection. In case of a positive result, treatment can be started quickly. This can also prevent the possible further spread of the virus. However, the risk of further spread of the virus is very small.
The tests on 10 May were carried out as a starting point for medical monitoring. Regardless of the test results, the repatriated passengers are subject to mandatory self-isolation at home for 6 weeks. During this quarantine period, their health will be closely monitored by the municipal health service (GGD). The tests will also be repeated weekly.
If a person develops symptoms during the quarantine period, further tests will be carried out.
12-05-2026 | 09:30
Second and third flights with passengers from hantavirus ship have landed
The second and third flights carrying passengers and crew from the cruise ship where the Andes virus was detected, arrived late Monday night and early Tuesday morning. The Dutch passengers have gone into self-isolation at home. A quarantine location has been arranged for crew members and passengers who cannot go home directly.
On Sunday evening, the first flight with passengers and part of the crew from the cruise ship MV Hondius arrived in the Netherlands. As with those who arrived on Sunday, those arriving last night were carefully medically screened upon arrival in the Netherlands. Samples were also taken.
Quarantine guidelines at home or at quarantine location
During the quarantine period, all those who had been on board the ship are to remain at home or at a quarantine location. The quarantine period is 42 days, which started on 6 May. The people in quarantine are being supported by the municipal health service (GGD). The GGD will contact them daily by phone. The GGD is available 24/7 to discuss any health changes.
During the quarantine period, all those who had been on board the ship are to remain at home or at a quarantine location. The quarantine period is 42 days, which started on 6 May. The people in quarantine are being supported by the municipal health service (GGD). The GGD will contact them daily by phone. The GGD is available 24/7 to discuss any health changes.
The people who are quarantined have been given clear instructions, their health being the main focus. These instructions are also intended to prevent the spread of the virus. If anyone gets ill, the quarantine will prevent further spread.
Read the news article: Hantavirus cruise ship passengers have arrived by plane: start of quarantine period | RIVM (10 May 2026)
10-05-2026 | 20.45
Hantavirus cruise ship passengers have arrived by plane: start of quarantine period
An airplane arrived this evening at Eindhoven Airbase, carrying passengers and part of the crew of the cruise ship where the Andes virus was detected. In the coming weeks, the group will be closely monitored to provide them with appropriate care should they need it.
Read the news article: Hantavirus cruise ship passengers have arrived by plane: start of quarantine period | RIVM (10 May 2026)
10-05-2026 | 20:10
Passengers from MV Hondius fly to the Netherlands this afternoon
The medical checks in Tenerife for passengers from the Dutch cruise ship have been completed. The passengers are expected to depart by plane for Eindhoven at 14.30 (local time). They will be screened upon arrival. The screening will include providing blood for diagnostic testing and being asked to complete a short questionnaire. The Dutch passengers will then be taken home where they will remain in self-isolation. The local municipal health service (GGD) will then stay in contact with them. Those who do not reside in the Netherlands will be accommodated in a quarantine facility. Accommodation is available for travellers who have to travel further but cannot do so immediately.
Hantavirus update: third test result also negative
On 7 May, RIVM reported that 3 individuals with symptoms had been tested for the Andes virus, a variant of the hantavirus. Two test results were negative. The third test was still being analysed. RIVM now reports that this third test result is also negative.
07-05-2026 | 17:30
Update hantavirus
At the moment, there are 3 people in the Netherlands with symptoms who have been tested for the Andes virus, a variant of the hantavirus. Two test results are negative. The third test is still being analysed. These 3 individuals developed symptoms after they had contact on board an airplane with a person infected with the Andes virus. The Municipal Health Service (GGD) continues to monitor these individuals.
Read the news article Update hantavirus
06-05-2026 | 10:45
Hantavirus on board cruise ship Hondius is Andes virus
The virus on board the cruise ship Hondius is the Andes variant of the hantavirus. This is confirmed by laboratory testing.
The Andes virus is one of many types of hantaviruses. This type is mainly found in North and South America. It can cause more severe disease symptoms than other hantaviruses. People can develop a high fever and breathing problems. Later on, this can lead to severe lung and heart problems. Up to 30-50% of people die from the virus. These hantaviruses do not exist outside North and South America.
There are indications that the Andes virus may be transmissible from person to person. However, this is very rare. Internationally, only a few examples have been documented. Moreover, interhuman transfer only happens when people have very close contact with each other.
The risk of spreading in the Netherlands remains very small
The risk of the virus spreading in the Netherlands is still very small. The fact that people were infected with the Andes virus does not change this. The advice on preventive measures on board the ship and the preparation of repatriation already took into account the possibility that this was the Andes variant.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with other parties on the medical evacuation of the affected passengers. RIVM advises on preventive measures on board the ship and on the medical evacuation and repatriation of the passengers.
04-05-2026 | 17:00
Hantavirus detected in people on board cruise ship MV Hondius
Several people on the Dutch cruise ship, MV Hondius, have become ill. The ship was on its way from Argentina to Cape Verde. Three passengers have died and several people are ill. One of the patients has since been diagnosed with the hantavirus. The type of hantavirus is still unclear. It is also unclear whether the other people with symptoms are also suffering from hantavirus.
Several parties are working together to help manage this situation. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on the medical evacuation of the affected passengers. The shipping company is responsible for the care and safety on board the ship. RIVM is advising on preventive measures on board and on the return of the Dutch passengers. As a precaution, strict measures are in place, such as isolation and quarantine. The people on board the ship have been asked to stay in their cabins and keep a distance.
The risk of it spreading in the Netherlands is very small
The chance that people in the Netherlands will become ill as a result of this situation is very small. There is no risk to public health and no cause for concern. The organisations concerned are closely monitoring the situation.
International organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are involved in the coordination and exchange of information. This is important because the ship carries passengers of several nationalities.
Hantavirus in the Netherlands occurs occasionally
Hantaviruses occur all over the world. The types that occur in Europe cause hundreds of patients a year. In the Netherlands, the virus is occasionally diagnosed. The types of hantaviruses found in the Netherlands are Puumala virus, Tula virus and Seoul virus.