90-Second Read: Hantavirus latest: Americans disembark cruise and head home for quarantine

TENERIFE, Canary Islands, Passengers, including Americans, aboard the cruise ship stricken by a Hantavirus outbreak disembarked in the Canary Islands and began flying home Sunday on military and government planes after being escorted ashore by personnel in full protective gear. Here is what to expect with their return: RELATED: Hantavirus latest: What's next for cruise, passengers heading home WHO officials explained on Saturday, May 9, 2026, the evacuation process coming for passengers and some crew onboard the cruise ship with the Hantavirus outbreak. Jay Bhattacharya, said Americans would first be flown to the University of Nebraska, which has a federally funded quarantine facility, to assess whether they have been in close contact with any symptomatic people and their risk levels for spreading the virus. A methodical procedure was in place.

They'll be actively monitored for any symptoms that develop within a period of 42 days since the point of last exposure. The passengers are leaving behind their luggage, and are allowed to take only a small bag with essential items, a cellphone, a charger, and documentation. About 30 crew members will stay aboard the ship as it sails back to its origination in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where it will undergo disinfection. Background information was used from previous FOX Television Station reporting.

The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius anchored outside the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands early Sunday. The acting director of the Centers for Disease Control, Dr. The Source: Information in this article was taken from The Associated Press and Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, who gave remarks at WHO press conferences on Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10, 2026.