Americans on hantavirus cruise ship heading back home
CBS News
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Americans aboard a cruise ship that experienced a deadly hantavirus outbreak have been evacuated from the Canary Islands and are returning to the United States. The evacuation occurred on Sunday, with passengers disembarking in Tenerife.
- The cruise ship, en route from Chile to Argentina, was diverted to the Canary Islands due to the outbreak.
- The hantavirus outbreak resulted in a significant number of illnesses and at least one confirmed fatality among passengers.
- Medical personnel were on site in Tenerife to assess and treat affected passengers before their departure.
- The United States government, through its embassy and consulate services, provided assistance to the American citizens on board.
- The focus of the operation was to ensure the safe return of all American nationals while containing the spread of the virus.
- Details regarding the specific number of affected individuals or further steps in the quarantine and monitoring process are being managed by health authorities.
- The Canary Islands health service played a crucial role in managing the immediate crisis and facilitating the evacuation.
