The United States is closely monitoring hantavirus activity in 2026 following a rare international outbreak aboard the M/V Hondius cruise ship and continued cases in the western states. While hantavirus infections remain uncommon, the disease’s high fatality rate and recent events underscore the need for public awareness and prevention. The CDC and WHO report the overall risk to the public remains low, but vigilance is essential, especially in the western states.
2026 Cruise Ship Outbreak: MV Hondius Incident
In April and May 2026, the Dutch expedition cruise ship M/V Hondius experienced a significant outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus. The ship, which departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, reported at least three laboratory-confirmed cases and up to eight total illnesses among passengers and crew. Tragically, three people died, including an elderly couple and a German national. Several others required intensive care in hospitals across South Africa and Europe.
The Andes virus is notable for its rare ability to spread between people through close, prolonged contact—a feature not seen in US hantavirus strains. Health authorities, including the CDC and World Health Organization, responded quickly, monitoring exposed passengers in the US (including residents of Texas, Georgia, Arizona, and Virginia) and implementing strict isolation protocols on the ship. The CDC has emphasized that the risk to the general US public remains extremely low. For more details, visit the CDC’s hantavirus data and surveillance page.
Hantavirus Trends and Surveillance in the US
Since 1993, the CDC has confirmed 890 cases of hantavirus disease in the United States, with 94 percent occurring west of the Mississippi River. The highest case counts are in New Mexico (122), Colorado (119), and Arizona (86). In 2025, seven new cases and two deaths were reported across several western states. The overall case fatality rate for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the US is 35–38 percent.
Most US cases are linked to the Sin Nombre virus, carried by the deer mouse. The majority of patients are male (62 percent), with a median age of 38. Hantavirus remains rare but deadly, and ongoing surveillance continues, especially in high-risk regions.
How Hantavirus Spreads: Transmission and Risks
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of aerosolized particles from the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. Direct contact with rodent materials or, rarely, rodent bites can also cause infection. In the US, there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of HPS. The Andes virus, involved in the 2026 cruise ship outbreak, is the only strain known to spread between people, but its rodent hosts are not found in North America.
Key rodent carriers in the US include the deer mouse, cotton rat, rice rat, and white-footed mouse. People at highest risk include rural residents, campers, agricultural workers, and anyone cleaning rodent-infested spaces.
Symptoms: What to Watch For
Hantavirus infection typically develops 1 to 8 weeks after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, muscle aches (especially in the thighs, hips, and back), fatigue, and sometimes headaches, dizziness, or abdominal issues. Within 4 to 10 days, the illness can rapidly progress to coughing, shortness of breath, and severe respiratory distress. HPS is fatal in about 38 percent of cases, often within 24 to 48 hours of severe symptoms.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
- At Home:
- Seal up holes and gaps to prevent rodent entry.
- Store food in rodent-proof containers and clean up spills promptly.
- Remove clutter and nesting materials from inside and around your home.
- Use traps or professional pest control if you suspect an infestation.
- Safe Cleanup:
- Never sweep or vacuum rodent droppings, urine, or nests.
- Ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.
- Wear disposable gloves and, for heavy infestations, an N95 respirator.
- Spray droppings and nests with disinfectant or a bleach solution (1:10 ratio), let soak, then wipe up with paper towels.
- Dispose of waste in sealed plastic bags and wash hands thoroughly after cleaning.
- Outdoors and Workplaces:
- Avoid disturbing rodent nests or burrows while camping or hiking.
- Store food securely and keep campsites clean.
- Ventilate and wet-clean cabins or shelters before use.
- Agricultural and construction workers should use gloves and N95 respirators when working in rodent-prone areas.
- If Exposed or Symptomatic:
- Monitor for symptoms for up to 8 weeks after possible exposure.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, muscle aches, or respiratory symptoms, and inform your healthcare provider about potential hantavirus exposure.
For more prevention tips, visit the CDC’s hantavirus prevention page.
Stay Informed
The CDC and state health departments continue to monitor hantavirus trends and respond to outbreaks. For the latest updates, visit GovOneStop.com/news. To check current public safety alerts in your area, go to GovOneStop.com/my-portal and select My State or My City.