The Hantavirus Scare: Should I Be Concerned?
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Solving the Mystery of the Hantavirus Voyage
Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) published information regarding three deaths aboard a cruise due to hantavirus. Four others on the cruise have come down with suspect symptoms as well, one of whom is in critical condition.
In the United States, hantavirus is typically contracted through the spread through rodent urine, feces, saliva or through contact with rodent infected surfaces. At this point, in the US, hantavirus is not spread through person-to person contact. In South America, a rare hantavirus species, does have limited person‑to‑person transmission in close-contact settings. This species is typically found in Argentina and Chile. At the same time, the cruise ship had made several stops before becoming ill: the vessel traveled from Ushuaia across the South Atlantic with stops in mainland Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island. So, it is not clear where the illness originated.
The cruise mentioned above, did originate in Argentina and was en route to South Africa. As of this writing (5/4/2026), there is no evidence that the illness is caused by Andes virus. Additionally, whether this was due to person-to-person transmission has yet to be determined. Intensive investigation is being undertaken by epidemiologists and precautionary measures are ongoing.
According to WHO, the ship is reportedly carrying147 people representing 23 nationalities. While they do not list each nationality individually, U.S. citizens are included in that group. While the other passengers and crew were still on board the ship (as of May 4, 2026), moored off Cabo Verde, they are being monitored, advised to stay in their cabins, and evaluated by medical teams.
Hantavirus has been uncommon in the US with no significant increases from year to year. To read more and view a CDC of hantavirus cases in the US (1993-2023) click here
What are the Symptoms of Hantavirus?
Hantavirus typically begins with fever, chills, muscle aches, and a headache. Some people also develop nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea. As the disease progresses, a person can rapidly develop Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): Coughing, shortness of breath, pneumonia, heart rhythm problems, low blood pressure and shock. Symptoms of hantavirus tend to progress rapidly and are not consistent with those of flu or other cold viruses. In fact, hantavirus would be difficult to detect unless there was known exposure to rodents or others with the disease. Like many other illnesses, no matter what the diagnosis, if symptoms are progressing in severity, it is imperative to seek medical attention.
What Can You Do to Avoid It?
As mentioned above, hantavirus is usually caused by the presence of rodents and this is the main thing you need to worry about in the US.
Avoid contact with rodents, their urine, droppings, saliva or aerosol particles from contaminated dust.
Wear gloves, an N95 mask when working in an area where rodents may have been.
Avoid stirring up dust in an area where rodents have been
Avoid stirring up rodent nests like wood piles, storage boxes, old sheds, barns and crawl spaces
What is the Treatment of Hantavirus?
There are currently no antiviral medications or immunization against hantavirus. A person is treated symptomatically until recovered. According to the CDC, fatality rates are bout 38%.
If it is any consolation, data dating to 2023 from the World Health Organization and the CDC, show no global increase in hantavirus cases. In the US, hantavirus infections remain rare, sporadic, and tied to localized rodent exposure rather than widespread transmission.
Is There Anything to Worry About?
What International precautions are being taken to be sure this does not spread?
Currently, WHO considers this virus contained and, the global risk low. Additionally, there are no travel restrictions. WHO has informed many countries of this particular outbreak. Some countries with involvement with the cruise line and/or evacuation of the patients have some direct involvement with WHO in this situation. Like many other countries, the US has been informed and are carrying out standard CDC outbreak protocols which include:
Monitoring for returning travelers with compatible symptoms
Alerting clinicians to watch for severe respiratory illness with travel history
Coordinating with state health departments (especially ports of entry)
Ensuring diagnostic capacity for hantavirus testing
Reviewing passenger lists.
So, at this point, there appears to be little to worry about with hantavirus. Who knows what the future has in store for us.
