Expedition cruises, island hopping, and zoonotic risk: governance and operational lessons from the MV Hondius Andes hantavirus outbreak - Takeaways - MDSpire

Expedition cruises, island hopping, and zoonotic risk: governance and operational lessons from the MV Hondius Andes hantavirus outbreak

  • By

  • Esteban Ortiz-Prado

  • María Paz Cadena

  • María A. Vethencourt-Ysea

  • Jorge Vasconez-Gonzalez

  • Kirk O. Douglas

  • Juan S. Izquierdo-Condoy

  • July 16, 2026

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  • 1

    The Andes orthohantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius involved 13 cases and three deaths, highlighting the risks of zoonotic diseases in expedition cruises.

  • 2

    Limited person-to-person transmission of Andes virus was documented, making it unique among orthohantaviruses typically associated with rodent exposure.

  • 3

    The outbreak revealed critical gaps in governance and operational protocols for medical evacuation and passenger traceability in expedition travel.

  • 4

    Existing health regulations and guidelines were insufficient for the unique challenges posed by high-mobility expedition cruise environments.

  • 5

    A One Health preparedness model is proposed to enhance outbreak protocols, emphasizing risk assessment and monitoring before passenger embarkation.

Original Source(s)

Expedition cruises, island hopping, and zoonotic risk: governance and operational lessons from the MV Hondius Andes hantavirus outbreak

  • by Esteban Ortiz-Prado, María Paz Cadena, María A. Vethencourt-Ysea, Jorge Vasconez-Gonzalez, Kirk O. Douglas, Juan S. Izquierdo-Condoy

  • July 16, 2026

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