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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship has resulted in three fatalities and several illnesses among passengers. Health officials
indicate that the risk to the general public remains low, as the virus does not easily transmit between individuals. 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.”
Overview of Hantavirus
Hantaviruses, known to exist globally, have gained increased attention following the death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of late actor Gene Hackman, from a hantavirus infection in New Mexico last year. The virus typically spreads through inhalation of contaminated droppings from rodents, but the Andes virus, responsible for the current outbreak, may transmit between people in rare instances. Consequently, health officials are implementing precautions for returning passengers.Potential Source of the Outbreak
Ongoing investigations aim to trace the origin of the cruise ship outbreak. Officials in Argentina suspect that initial cases were contracted during a birdwatching excursion in Ushuaia, located at the southern tip of the country. However, local health authorities note that the virus has not been previously identified in that province. Argentina has recently experienced a rise in hantavirus cases, which public health experts attribute to climate change.Transmission and Symptoms
Hantavirus primarily spreads through contact with rodents or their waste, particularly when the material is disturbed, releasing particles into the air. Most infections occur in residential areas, especially during cleaning in poorly ventilated spaces or in areas with rodent droppings. Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, CEO of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, stated that researchers are still investigating how the Andes virus might spread between humans, suspecting that symptomatic individuals could be infectious.The illness can begin with flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches, typically appearing one to eight weeks post-exposure to an infected rodent. As the disease progresses, patients may experience respiratory distress as fluid accumulates in the lungs. There are two primary syndromes associated with hantavirus: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, each with differing fatality rates.
Prevalence and Historical Context
Globally, hantavirus infections remain relatively rare. In 2025, the World Health Organization reported 229 cases and 59 deaths across eight countries in the Americas. Argentina's health ministry reported 28 deaths due to hantavirus last year, with 101 infections documented since June 2025, double the cases from the previous year. In the United States, federal health authorities began monitoring hantavirus following a significant outbreak in 1993, primarily affecting rural areas in the West.Characteristics of the Andes Virus
The hantavirus family, named after the Hantaan River in Korea, includes the Andes virus, which is the only strain shown to potentially spread between humans under certain conditions. Steven Bradfute, an associate professor at the University of New Mexico, indicated that substantial person-to-person transmission of hantavirus has not been documented historically, and there is currently no evidence to suggest a widespread outbreak from this incident.Research and Treatment Challenges
There is no specific treatment for hantavirus, but early medical intervention can enhance survival chances. Despite extensive research, significant questions remain regarding the disease's severity variability and antibody development. Researchers continue to seek answers, emphasizing the importance of minimizing rodent exposure as the best preventive measure.Public health officials recommend using protective gloves and bleach solutions for cleaning rodent droppings, advising against sweeping or vacuuming to prevent airborne virus particles.
