The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified the Hantavirus outbreak involving the cruise ship MV Hondius as a “Level 3” emergency response and has activated emergency operations centers to monitor the situation.

According to ABC News and the New York Post, “Level 3” is the lowest level of emergency activation in the CDC's response system, indicating that the risk to the general public is currently assessed as low.

Sources say the CDC has established a dedicated Hantavirus response team, with epidemiologists, doctors, and scientists deployed to assist in monitoring the situation.

In a statement on Wednesday, the CDC said it:

“is closely monitoring the situation regarding American passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship following confirmed Hantavirus cases.”

The CDC also stated that the U.S. Department of State is leading a coordinated government-wide response, including:

  • direct communication with passengers,

  • diplomatic coordination,

  • and working with domestic and international health agencies.

President Donald Trump confirmed he has been briefed on the outbreak aboard the Dutch-flagged vessel.

He told reporters:

“Hopefully everything’s going to be fine. We hope it’s under control.”

He also stated there would be a “full report” released on Friday but did not disclose further details.

Several U.S. states are currently monitoring passengers who were on the ship:

  • Texas reported two residents are self-monitoring their temperatures daily,

  • Georgia confirmed two residents are in stable health and asymptomatic,

  • Arizona and Virginia also noted that involved passengers have not shown signs of illness.

According to Oceanwide Expeditions, six U.S. citizens were among the 30 passengers who disembarked at Saint Helena on April 24 without knowing they had been exposed to the virus.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed there are currently:

  • 8 suspected Hantavirus cases,

  • including 3 deaths.

The WHO warned:

“There may be more cases.”

The outbreak involves the Andes hantavirus variant—a rare South American strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission with a fatality rate of approximately 40%, according to European officials.

The MV Hondius has since departed Cape Verde and is en route to the Canary Islands.