US health authorities say the risk to the general American public from a hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius is extremely low. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that at this time there is no significant threat beyond people who were directly on the vessel, and it urges Americans aboard the ship to follow health guidance as officials work to bring them home safely. Reports state that three passengers or crew members on the MV Hondius have died from hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly illness. Additional Americans aboard the ship are expected to be evacuated as plans proceed for their return. One report says the evacuation of remaining passengers is expected to begin May 11. Across the coverage, the CDC’s main message is that while there are confirmed cases and deaths associated with the ship, the likelihood of spread to the wider US population is low, and authorities focus on managed evacuation and public health procedures for those affected.