Health officials are monitoring passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius after a hantavirus outbreak killed three people during the voyage. The outbreak involved the Andes virus, a rare strain of hantavirus that health authorities say is the only type capable of human-to-human transmission.

At least 18 passengers have been flown back to the United States, with one testing positive for the Andes virus and another showing mild symptoms, according to health officials. Despite the outbreak, authorities maintain that the risk to the general public remains "very low."

The United Kingdom, United States, and European Union are requiring all citizens returning from the virus-affected vessel to self-isolate for approximately six weeks as a precautionary measure. This extended quarantine period reflects the unique transmission characteristics of the Andes virus strain.

The ship's captain addressed passengers and crew in his first public remarks since the outbreak began, thanking them for their support during what he called an "extremely challenging" voyage. He praised passengers and crew members for "caring" and "unity" shown during the crisis as evacuation procedures were carried out.

The World Health Organization has confirmed that the Andes virus is distinct from other hantavirus strains due to its ability to spread between people. While health experts like Dr. Scott Gottlieb suggest more cases could emerge, they do not expect the situation to escalate beyond control. Separately, pharmaceutical companies including Moderna and Korea University have been working on developing an mRNA-based hantavirus vaccine since 2023, though a finished product is not expected in the near term.