Since the world has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, any viral outbreak has become a cause for concern. Now, a Hantavirus outbreak involving the rare Andean virus strain has drawn international attention after cases were linked to the MV cruise ship Hondius In May 2026. On May 14, health officials confirmed several deaths linked to the outbreak, while the CDC and other agencies began monitoring passengers who may have been exposed to the virus during the flight.
Because the Andean virus can spread from person to person in rare cases, many Americans are now wondering whether infected travelers could bring the virus to the United States and how serious the risk is.
Below, learn more about the 2026 hantavirus outbreak and what health officials are saying so far.
What is Hanta virus?
Hantavirus is a rare and potentially fatal virus. If someone contracts the disease, it can cause serious conditions, the most common of which is Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which usually begins with flu-like symptoms before developing into severe respiratory problems.
BREAKING: The head of the World Health Organization says eight cases of Hantavirus infection have been reported, including five confirmed cases and three suspected cases. https://t.co/GFhZZwiCcE
📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/tHYnNzqRnb
– Sky News (@SkyNews) May 7, 2026
Although cases of Hantavirus are rare, people around the world are still concerned about the recent discovery on board the MV Hondius cruise ship.
last year, Gene Hackmanlate wife, Betsy ArakawaHe died of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. She was 65 years old.
Is there a vaccine for Hanta virus?
No, there is no FDA-approved vaccine for Hantavirus.
“Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans.
People usually become infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva.
The type of Hantavirus involved in this case is the Andean virus – which is…
– World Health Organization (WHO) May 7, 2026
Is Hanta virus contagious? How it spreads
Hantavirus usually spreads through direct contact with infected rodent fluids, such as urine, droppings or saliva, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can also be spread through a scratch or bite from a rodent, according to the CDC, although it’s rare, or if a person breathes air contaminated by rodent droppings.
However, the Andean Hantavirus is known to be transmitted from person to person. This type of virus is mainly found in Chile and Argentina, where the cruise ship MV Hondius came from.
Is Hantavirus present in the United States?
In general, yes. Cases of Hantavirus have been present throughout the United States for years. Most cases in the Western Hemisphere are Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
However, as of May 14, 2026, there were no confirmed cases in the United States linked to the recent Andean virus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dozens of Americans remain under monitoring after potential exposure to infected passengers during the cruise and subsequent travel. The agency is reportedly conducting detailed risk assessments to identify individuals who may require quarantine or further medical monitoring.
According to NBC News reports, passengers who previously disembarked from the cruise ship have returned to Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Virginia and California.
Is there a hantavirus epidemic?
No, at the time of publication, the World Health Organization has not declared the Hantavirus outbreak a pandemic. During a WHO briefing in May 2026, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove emphasized that Hantavirus was different from coronaviruses, specifically SARS-CoV-2, that we had seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to be clear here: This is not SARS-CoV-2. This is not the beginning of the Covid pandemic,” she said. “This is an outbreak that we’re seeing on a ship (and) there’s a confined area. … But this is not the same situation we were in six years ago.”
