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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship has resulted in three passenger fatalities and numerous illnesses, prompting health
officials to assure the public that the overall risk remains low. The virus, primarily transmitted through rodent droppings, does not easily spread between humans. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness at the World Health Organization, emphasized the seriousness of the disease, stating, “This is not the next COVID, but it is a serious infectious disease. Most people will never be exposed to this.”
Background on Hantavirus
Hantaviruses, known for centuries, are globally distributed, with recent attention drawn to the illness after the death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, from a hantavirus infection in New Mexico.The current outbreak is attributed to the Andes virus, which can potentially spread between individuals in rare cases, prompting health officials to exercise caution as affected passengers return home.
Transmission and Precautions
Typically, hantavirus transmission occurs through inhalation of contaminated particles from rodent droppings. However, the Andes virus may present an atypical transmission route, leading health authorities to implement additional safety measures.While COVID-19 spreads more easily, hantavirus is harder to contract but can be more severe once acquired. Health officials are taking steps to monitor and protect those who may have been exposed.
Investigation into the Source
Investigators are actively examining the cruise ship outbreak to trace its origins, with suspicions pointing to a birdwatching trip in Ushuaia, Argentina, where officials have noted no prior detection of the virus.Public health researchers in Argentina link the increase in hantavirus cases to climate change, raising concerns about the virus's potential spread and impact.
Understanding Hantavirus and Its Symptoms
Hantavirus primarily spreads through contact with rodents or their waste, especially when disturbed, creating airborne particles. Common exposure sites include homes, cabins, or sheds where cleaning occurs in poorly ventilated areas.Experts are investigating how the Andes virus may transmit between humans, suggesting that individuals exhibiting symptoms could be infectious. The potential for transmission may occur through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
Symptoms and Severity of the Illness
Initial symptoms of hantavirus infection resemble flu-like conditions, including fever, chills, and muscle aches. Progression of the illness can lead to serious respiratory issues as the lungs fill with fluid.The hantavirus pulmonary syndrome typically manifests within one to eight weeks post-exposure, while another syndrome, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, may develop within one to two weeks. The fatality rate for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is approximately 35%, while the death rate for hemorrhagic fever varies between 1% and 15%.
Global Impact and Reporting
Hantavirus infections are relatively rare worldwide. The World Health Organization reported 229 cases and 59 deaths across eight countries in the Americas in 2025. Argentina's health ministry noted 28 hantavirus-related deaths last year and reported 101 infections since June 2025, doubling the previous year's figures.In the United States, federal health authorities began monitoring the virus after a significant outbreak in 1993 in the Four Corners region, where most cases continue to be reported, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona.
Concerns Regarding the Andes Virus
The hantavirus family, named after the Hantaan River in Korea, includes the Andes virus, which has shown potential for human-to-human transmission. However, the World Health Organization reassures that such transmission remains uncommon and requires close contact.Steven Bradfute, an associate professor specializing in hantavirus research, stated, “We haven’t had huge person-to-person spreads of hantavirus infection ever before, and there’s no reason to suspect a huge outbreak from this case at this point.”
Ongoing Research and Prevention Strategies
While no specific treatment exists for hantavirus, early medical intervention can enhance survival chances. Researchers continue to explore the illness, seeking answers to its varied severity and antibody development.Bradfute emphasized the importance of minimizing rodent exposure as a preventive measure, advising the use of protective gear and proper cleaning methods when dealing with rodent droppings.
