Global and national officials are actively monitoring and responding to a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The outbreak is from the Andes strain of hantarivus, which is found primarily in Chile and Argentina. As of May 15, 2026, the current infection risk to the American public is extremely low. Public health officials are coordinating with state, federal, and international partners to identify and manage cases, as needed.
What is hantavirus and how does it spread?
Hantavirus is a family of viruses that usually spreads through contact with rodents, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva. Hantavirus is found in rodents on all continents, except Antarctica.
The Andes strain of hantavirus—primarily found in long-tailed rice rats in Chile and Argentina— is the only strain known to spread from person to person. This spread is usually limited to people who have prolonged close contact with an infected individual. This includes direct physical contact, prolonged time spent in close or enclosed spaces, and exposure to the infected person’s saliva, respiratory droplets, or other body fluids.
What is the status of the current hantavirus outbreak?
Officials are actively monitoring and responding to an outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus, linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. As of May 2026, there have been nine confirmed cases, two suspected cases, and three deaths linked to the outbreak. All passengers and crew members have been evacuated from the ship, and people who live in the United States have been placed in quarantine or are being monitored in several states, including Nebraska, Georgia, New Jersey, Texas, California, Virginia, and Arizona. There are currently no signs of a larger outbreak beyond the cruise ship.
What are the symptoms of hantavirus? Is there a treatment?
For infections caused by the Andes strain, symptoms typically develop 4 to 42 days after exposure. Early symptoms commonly look like the flu, and include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, particularly in large muscle groups such as the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders. About half of people also experience headaches, dizziness, chills, and gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Approximately 4 to 10 days after the initial illness, people may develop worsening respiratory symptoms, including cough and shortness of breath, as fluid accumulates in the lungs.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available for the Andes strain. Symptoms may develop rapidly, and the virus can be fatal, making early detection especially important.
Should I change my travel plans because of hantavirus?
No. The risk of contracting hantavirus while traveling remains low. If you are traveling abroad, you can monitor travel advisories by destination maintained by the U.S. Department of State.
What should I know about hantavirus in the United States?
In North America, the only rodents that carry hantavirus are deer mice, white-footed mice, rice rats, and cotton rats. In the United States, cases are more common in states west of the Mississippi River, but are still very rare.
Between 1993 and 2022, 864 cases of hantavirus were reported in the United States.
How can I protect myself against hantavirus?
As of May 2026, the risk that the current cruise ship outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus will spread to the general public is extremely low. If you live in an area with rodents that may carry the Andes strain of hantavirus, continue taking everyday precautions, such as sealing gaps in your home or garage to prevent rodents from entering and storing food in rodent-proof containers. If you are cleaning an area where rodent droppings may be present:
- Wear an N95 mask and gloves
- Do not sweep or vacuum the area to prevent dropping particles from becoming airborne
- Spray the area with a bleach solution, wait five minutes, and then wipe the area with a paper towel
- Dispose of the soiled paper towels in a sealed plastic bag
- Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning
Additionally, you can reduce the risk of hantavirus spreading between people by taking the following precautions:
- Washing hands frequently
- Avoiding close contact with someone who may have Andes virus
- Avoid sharing beverages, eating utensils, food from the same plate or bowl, and smoking products with someone who may have Andes virus
Sources
1. Fernandez, T. (2025, April 8). Prevent hantavirus during spring cleaning. Cheyenne Laramie County Public Health. https://clcpublichealth.org/prevent-hantavirus-during-spring-cleaning/
2. U.S. Department of State. (2025, August 11). Travel advisories. Travel.State.Gov.https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026, May 9). About Andes virus.https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/about/andesvirus.html
