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. Bhattacharya noted the seven Americans who left the cruise earlier have been in the U.S. for roughly two weeks, and they are living across the country.

A methodical procedure was in place for evacuating passengers of more than 20 different nationalities and getting them home safely on non-commercial flights. After that, he told CNN's "State of the Union," they will be given the choice of staying in Nebraska or going home, where their conditions would be monitored by state and local health agencies. 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. The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius anchored outside the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands early Sunday.