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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship has resulted in the deaths of three passengers and has left several others ill. Health
officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low, as the virus does not spread easily between humans. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness at the World Health Organization, stated, “This is not the next COVID, but it is a serious infectious disease. Most people will never be exposed to this.” The virus primarily transmits through inhalation of contaminated rodent droppings.
Investigation into the Outbreak
Ongoing investigations by the WHO are examining the source of the cruise ship outbreak, which includes laboratory testing and other analyses. Preliminary findings suggest that the initial infections may have occurred during a birdwatching trip in Ushuaia, Argentina, according to two officials who spoke anonymously.Evidence of the Andes virus, a variant of hantavirus endemic to South America, has been discovered in connection with this outbreak.
Transmission and Risk Factors
Hantavirus transmission primarily occurs through contact with rodent urine, saliva, or droppings, particularly when these materials become airborne. Most exposures happen in residential areas, especially when cleaning spaces with poor ventilation or when encountering mouse droppings.Concerns Regarding the Andes Virus
The term hantavirus encompasses a family of viruses, most of which do not transmit between people. However, the Andes virus has shown some potential for human-to-human transmission in this outbreak, albeit under specific conditions requiring close contact.Steven Bradfute, an associate professor at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, noted, “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.”
Global Hantavirus Statistics
Globally, hantavirus infections remain rare. The WHO reported 229 cases and 59 deaths across eight countries in the Americas in 2025. In Argentina, the health ministry documented 28 deaths from hantavirus last year.In the United States, federal health authorities began monitoring the virus following a 1993 outbreak in the Four Corners region, which encompasses parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.
Most U.S. cases occur in Western states, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona, where rural settings increase the likelihood of rodent encounters.
Symptoms and Severity of Hantavirus Infection
Initial symptoms of hantavirus infection can resemble those of the flu, including fever, chills, and muscle aches. Symptoms typically manifest one to eight weeks post-exposure to an infected rodent, potentially leading to severe respiratory issues as the infection progresses.There are two main syndromes associated with hantavirus: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which has a fatality rate of approximately 35%, and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which varies from 1% to 15% mortality based on the specific virus.
Research and Prevention Efforts
Currently, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus, but early medical intervention can improve survival chances. Ongoing research aims to address many unknowns about the virus, including variations in severity among infected individuals.Preventive measures include minimizing contact with rodents and their droppings, using protective gear, and employing bleach solutions for cleanup. Health experts advise against sweeping or vacuuming, as this can aerosolize virus particles.
