Response

Global Travel Advisories Evolve Amidst Hondius Andes Hantavirus Outbreak

International health and maritime organizations, alongside national governments, are issuing updated travel guidance for cruise passengers as the MV Hondius Andes hantavirus situation continues to unfold off Cape Verde.

HCD

Hantavirus Cruise Desk

Outbreak Tracking Team · September 24, 2026 · 5 min read

Global Travel Advisories Evolve Amidst Hondius Andes Hantavirus Outbreak

International Bodies Issue Health and Travel Guidance

Praia, Cape Verde – September 24, 2026 – As the MV Hondius Andes cruise ship remains anchored off Praia, Cape Verde, undergoing health and decontamination protocols related to an ongoing hantavirus outbreak, public health authorities and national governments worldwide are continuously updating their travel advisories for cruise passengers. The guidance primarily focuses on individuals who were aboard the MV Hondius Andes, but also extends to broader recommendations for cruise travel in the current environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its general advice regarding cruise travel during infectious disease outbreaks, emphasizing enhanced surveillance for respiratory and zoonotic diseases. Important context: the organization has encouraged member states to follow established international health regulations concerning maritime conveyances and port health. Travelers are advised to consult national health authorities for specific recommendations before undertaking any cruise journey, particularly those originating from or transiting through regions with active public health alerts.

National and Regional Responses Vary

North America:

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) has maintained a heightened alert for cruise travel, specifically recommending that all passengers and crew who disembarked from the MV Hondius Andes since May 2026 self-monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if they develop fever, muscle aches, or respiratory distress. Several states, particularly those with major cruise ports, have issued their own specific recommendations, often mirroring federal guidance but with additional emphasis on local public health reporting mechanisms. For general cruise travel, the US CDC advises passengers to ensure they're up-to-date on routine vaccinations and to practice rigorous hand hygiene. Canada's Public Health Agency has issued similar guidance, urging Canadian citizens returning from affected cruise vessels to contact local public health services. They have too advised against non-essential cruise travel for individuals with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems, citing the increased risk of acquiring infectious diseases in close quarters. Europe:

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has been coordinating with member states to harmonize public health responses. Many European nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, have issued advisories cautioning their citizens around the potential health risks associated with cruise travel, particularly on the MV Hondius Andes. Specific recommendations include post-cruise symptom monitoring and the importance of disclosing travel history to healthcare providers.Some countries are implementing enhanced screening at ports of entry for individuals arriving from regions affected by the hantavirus outbreak. Details are not yet universally consistent across all EU borders. Africa:

Africa CDC has been actively collaborating with Cape Verdean authorities and the WHO on the ground. For other African nations, the organization has recommended increased vigilance at ports and airports for travelers arriving from or having recently been on cruise ships, especially those with reported outbreaks. They have emphasized the importance of strong public health surveillance systems to detect and respond to potential imported cases promptly. Specific travel restrictions have not been universally imposed across the continent, but enhanced screening measures are in place in several countries. Asia and Oceania:

Countries in Asia, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, which are popular cruise destinations and source markets, have as well updated their travel advisories. These nations typically advise their citizens to exercise a high degree of caution regarding cruise travel. Australian health authorities, for example, have specifically warned around the hantavirus situation and recommended that individuals who have been on the MV Hondius Andes follow strict health monitoring protocols upon return. New Zealand has similarly advised self-isolation and health checks for returning cruise passengers from affected vessels.

General Advice for Cruise Passengers

Common threads across all advisories include:

Stay Informed: Consult official government travel advisories and health organization websites before booking or embarking on a cruise. * Health Self-Monitoring: Be aware of hantavirus symptoms (fever, muscle aches, fatigue, respiratory issues) and seek medical attention promptly if they develop, disclosing recent travel history. * Hygiene Practices: Maintain strict hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and avoid touching surfaces in public areas unnecessarily. * Travel Insurance: Ensure comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and potential travel disruptions related to outbreaks. * Vaccination Status: Be up-to-date on all routine vaccinations, as recommended by national health bodies. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) continues to work with flag states and coastal authorities to ensure maritime safety and health protocols are followed, underscoring the complexities of managing public health crises in an international maritime context. The situation surrounding the MV Hondius Andes continues to evolve, and travelers are urged to remain vigilant and follow the most current guidance from authoritative sources.