08.05.2026 23:11
As the USA prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting on June 11, a hantavirus report from the state of New Jersey has prompted health authorities to take action. The New Jersey Department of Health announced that two individuals, believed to have possibly been in contact with passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius, which is sailing in the South Atlantic and carrying a deadly outbreak, are being closely monitored.
As the excitement for the FIFA World Cup, which will start on June 11, approaches, health news from the U.S. state of New Jersey has raised concerns. Officials announced that two individuals have been placed under surveillance on suspicion of deadly hantavirus.
SUSPECTED CONTACT WITH MV HONDIUS SHIP
It was stated that the two New Jersey residents under surveillance may have had contact with passengers of the cruise ship MV Hondius, which is at the center of the hantavirus outbreak, during their travels abroad. Three people have already died from the virus on the ship, which departed from Argentina on March 20.
As health teams trace the 23 passengers who left the ship between April 22 and 26 and spread across the world, there are concerns that the cases in New Jersey may be part of this chain.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT: GENERAL RISK LOW
In an official statement by the New Jersey Department of Health, it was emphasized that no symptoms have been observed so far in the individuals under surveillance. Officials stated that the situation is being closely monitored but there is no major threat to public health at this time:
"The risk to the general public in New Jersey currently remains low. Hantavirus symptoms typically appear within 4 to 42 days, and the likelihood of transmitting the virus from individuals showing no symptoms is low."
CDC ISSUES LEVEL 3 THREAT ALERT
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified the situation as a "Level 3 Threat" following this development. Although this level is the CDC's lowest emergency category, it means that a team of experts has been assigned to monitor the situation and prepare for a response in case of potential spread.
40 PERCENT DEATH RISK: A DISEASE LIKE TORTURE
Hantavirus is known for its severe course, particularly affecting the lungs. Experts note that the mortality rate can vary between 10 and 40 percent for some variants of the disease. Patients who survive the process, which begins with severe flu-like symptoms, describe their experience as "physical torture."
In New Jersey, which is preparing to host thousands of tourists for the World Cup, health teams are meticulously conducting extensive tracking and screening efforts.
MOST MATCHES TO BE PLAYED IN THE U.S.
The majority of the 2026 World Cup matches will be played in the United States, hosted by 11 U.S. cities. The matches will take place in Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Houston, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Boston, Dallas, San Francisco Bay Area, and the New York metropolitan area.
New Jersey will host the World Cup final on Saturday, July 19, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium, which is home to the New York Giants and New York Jets.