Hantavirus-Infected Cruise Ship: Trump Says Americans ‘Should Be Fine’ As Experts Question US Preparedness (Latest Updates)

Summary: A cruise ship called the MV Hondius is dealing with a deadly outbreak of the Andes hantavirus. This rare virus has a 40% fatality rate and is the only type of hantavirus that can spread directly from person to person. While 17 Americans from the ship are being escorted to a quarantine center in Nebraska, President Trump told reporters that the situation is under control and Americans "should be fine." However, infectious disease experts are warning that the U.S. is totally unprepared for a major outbreak due to recent health funding cuts. The disease is incredibly serious—in fact, actor Gene Hackman's wife tragically passed away from it in 2025.

Source: Forbes URL: forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2026/05/08/hantavirus-infected-cruise-ship-trump-says-americans-should-be-fine-as-experts-question-us-outbreak-preparedness-latest-updates/ (opens in new tab)