HHS Successfully Concludes Hantavirus Response Effort; Monitoring Ends with No Positive U.S. Case

WASHINGTON-JUNE 23, 2026-The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the successful conclusion of the federal public health response to the Hantavirus exposure event associated with the M/V Hondius cruise ship. The final 42-day monitoring period ended on June 21 at 2 p.m. EDT. No individuals in the United States remain under public health monitoring for Hantavirus exposure.

Under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., HHS worked closely with federal, state, and local public health partners to identify potentially exposed individuals, conduct monitoring, provide clinical guidance, and ensure readiness across the United States healthcare system. As a result of these efforts, no sustained transmission of Hantavirus occurred in the United States, and all monitoring activities related to the event have been completed.

"Protecting the health and safety of the American people is our highest responsibility," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. "HHS moved swiftly to identify potential exposures, support state and local health officials, and prepare our healthcare system to respond. As a result, no sustained transmission of Hantavirus occurred in the United States, and the monitoring period has concluded with no individuals remaining under observation."

To support the response, HHS issued a Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act declaration to facilitate the rapid development, distribution, and administration of medical countermeasures related to Hantavirus. The declaration supported a coordinated national response and to accelerate research and preparedness efforts while investigational medical countermeasures were evaluated under federal oversight.

From the earliest stages of the response, CDC and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) worked closely together to coordinate public health and healthcare preparedness efforts across the United States. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and other partners, CDC and ASPR supported engagement with foreign governments, traveler communications, repatriation planning, medical monitoring, contact tracing activities, and healthcare system readiness. This coordinated approach helped ensure a rapid and effective response to the Hantavirus exposure event.

The conclusion of the monitoring period marks an important milestone in the response effort and reflects the effectiveness of the coordinated actions taken by the White House, HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Department of State, state and local health departments, healthcare providers, and other public health partners.

"Protecting Americans is our highest responsibility," said CDC Acting Director Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., Ph.D. "The successful conclusion of this response demonstrates the strength of a coordinated response to infectious disease threats that occur outside of our borders. I am grateful for the world-class team at CDC whose dedication and swift action helped identify potential exposures, provide clear guidance, and protect the American people. As a result, we prevented any new cases from arising in the U.S."