Hanta Virus: Transmission, Global Risks, and Prevention Measures

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are monitoring a deadly outbreak of the Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, among passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The outbreak, first reported on May 2, 2026, has resulted in three deaths and several severe illnesses.

Health officials have confirmed a small number of suspected and confirmed cases on the vessel, which is currently stranded off the coast of Cape Verde in West Africa. The WHO has confirmed that the Andes virus is the specific strain responsible for the infections.

Despite the severity of the cases on board, the CDC stated on May 8, 2026, that the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains extremely low. The WHO has similarly assessed the risk to the global population as low and has advised against implementing trade or travel restrictions.

The CDC is currently coordinating with the U.S. State Department, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), and international public health partners to safely return American citizens from the ship. Some U.S. Passengers had already disembarked before the outbreak was identified; the CDC has notified the relevant state health departments to provide guidance and resources for those individuals and their communities.

Understanding the Andes Virus and HPS

The Andes virus causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease that can be potentially deadly. While most hantaviruses are spread to humans through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents, the Andes virus is distinct because We see the only type of hantavirus known to spread from person to person.

This human-to-human transmission is typically limited to individuals who have close contact with an ill person. In the context of the current cruise ship outbreak, health officials are treating the situation with standard precautions, including the use of N95 masks and distancing.

Symptoms and Progression

The incubation period for hantavirus is usually between two and three weeks, though it can extend up to eight weeks. The illness typically progresses in two phases.

Early symptoms often include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, particularly in the hips, thighs, back, and shoulders. Approximately half of all patients also experience dizziness, headaches, chills, and abdominal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Between four and 10 days after the initial symptoms appear, the late phase of HPS begins. This stage is characterized by coughing and shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid.

Prevention and Treatment

There is no specific medical treatment for hantavirus infection. Patients require supportive care, which includes hydration, rest, and the treatment of specific symptoms.

The primary strategy for preventing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is rodent control. Public health guidance emphasizes minimizing contact with wild rodents and avoiding exposure to their nesting materials, saliva, and waste.

Regarding the current global situation, the WHO recommends that public health efforts focus on improving early detection and ensuring timely treatment to reduce exposure risks.

Public health awareness efforts should focus on improving early detection, ensuring timely treatment, and reducing exposure risks.

World Health Organization via The BMJ