The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) stated today (May 15) that on May 13, 2026, New Zealand notified Taiwan through the International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point communication channel that a New Zealand passenger who had traveled aboard the international cruise ship MV Hondius in April this year was currently staying in Taiwan and had no relevant symptoms. Taiwan CDC immediately initiated follow-up measures, assigned a medical officer to contact the passenger, and arranged, through local health authorities, for the passenger to undergo specimen collection at a hospital and remain hospitalized for observation on the same day. Blood, urine, saliva, and nasopharyngeal specimens were tested. Test results from yesterday (May 14) were negative for Andes hantavirus by PCR and for serum IgM and IgG antibodies, provisionally ruling out infection.

Taiwan CDC explained that the passenger disembarked at Saint Helena on April 24 this year, and the last date of exposure to other passengers was April 25. The passenger entered Taiwan on May 7 and has reported no physical discomfort or health abnormalities to date. To ensure a prudent and appropriate response to this incident, Taiwan CDC has taken disease prevention and control measures with reference to professional guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC). Taiwan CDC also convened an expert advisory meeting today to discuss relevant prevention and control measures for suspected Andes hantavirus infection cases. After consolidating expert recommendations, and considering that the passenger is a high-risk contact, Taiwan CDC has arranged for the passenger to undergo “enhanced self-health management” in a single hospital room under the guidance of a medical team until June 6, the end of the maximum incubation period of 42 days calculated from the last exposure date of April 25. The passenger is required to measure body temperature daily for health monitoring and to observe good respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene. Taiwan has notified WHO through the IHR mechanism of the measures taken for this passenger and has also contacted the New Zealand representative office in Taiwan to provide necessary assistance to the passenger. Taiwan CDC will continue to collect specimens weekly through the end of the enhanced self-health management period.

Taiwan CDC emphasized that the passenger has tested negative and infection has been provisionally ruled out. The passenger will remain in the hospital under enhanced self-health management, and there is no risk to the local community. Taiwan CDC will continue to work with WHO and the New Zealand government on the appropriate response measures related to this passenger during their stay in Taiwan and reassures the public that there is no cause for concern.