05/08/2026

Samuel Clifford

Introduction

The Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly infection discovered in the 1990s that is caused by a group of viruses carried by certain rodents which includes deer mice, cotton rats, rice rats, and white-footed mice. Normally people become infected after breathing in tiny airborne particles contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Less commonly, however possible, the virus can also spread through contaminated food, surfaces, or rodent bites. Hantavirus infections can sometimes lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness that often begins with flu-like symptoms before rapidly affecting the lungs and heart. Early symptoms of the virus typically include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, and chills. As the illness progresses, patients can develop coughing, shortness of breath, dangerously low blood pressure, and fluid buildup in the lungs. Because the disease can worsen very quickly, early medical attention is critical.

The Andes Strain

One strain that has drawn particular attention from scientists is the Andes virus, a type of hantavirus found mainly in Argentina and Chile. Unlike most hantaviruses, which spread only through contact with infected rodents, the Andes strain is the only known hantavirus capable of limited person-to-person transmission. Documented cases have usually involved close contact with infected individuals, particularly among family members or caregivers. Researchers believe transmission likely occurs through exposure to respiratory secretions or prolonged close interaction during the early stages of illness, although it remains far less contagious than common respiratory viruses such as influenza or COVID-19. The Andes strain is also associated with a particularly severe form of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, with some outbreaks reporting high fatality rates. Scientists continue to study why this strain behaves differently from other hantaviruses and whether genetic or environmental factors contribute to its ability to spread between humans.

April 2026 Headlines:

The virus has recently drawn international attention following an unusual outbreak linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius. According to the World Health Organization, several passengers developed severe respiratory illness during the voyage, and multiple deaths have been reported. Some cases have already been confirmed as hantavirus infections, while others remain under investigation after showing similar symptoms. The ship had departed from Argentina and traveled through remote South Atlantic and Antarctic regions, including isolated islands where exposure to infected rodents may have occurred. Because the voyage originated in South America, where the Andes strain circulates, health officials are carefully investigating whether that particular strain could be involved. Authorities have stressed that there is currently no evidence of widespread onboard transmission, but contact tracing efforts are ongoing across several countries as investigators work to determine exactly how exposure occurred. Although the outbreak has attracted global headlines, experts emphasize that hantavirus infections remain extremely rare. Most cases occur in remote or rural environments where rodents are common. Public health agencies have also stressed that this situation is very different from highly contagious respiratory outbreaks, since hantaviruses generally do not spread easily between humans.

Preventions:

Preventing hantavirus infection mainly comes down to avoiding contact with rodents and areas where they may nest. Sealing small openings in homes, cabins, and storage buildings can help keep mice out, while storing food in rodent-proof containers reduces the chances of attracting them. Yards and indoor spaces should also be kept clean and free of clutter where rodents can hide. Cleaning rodent-contaminated areas safely is especially important. Experts recommend avoiding sweeping or vacuuming droppings because this can send contaminated particles into the air. Instead, the area should first be aired out and thoroughly soaked with disinfectant or a bleach solution. Gloves and a mask should be worn while wiping up droppings or nests with paper towels, followed by careful handwashing afterward. Travelers visiting remote wilderness areas, campsites, cabins, or expedition destinations are also being advised to watch for symptoms for several weeks after potential exposure. Since there is currently no specific cure or widely available vaccine for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, prevention, awareness, and early treatment remain the best protection against this serious disease.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.” Mayo Clinic, 30 Apr. 2025.

World Health Organization. Hantavirus Cluster Linked to Cruise Ship Travel, Multi‑Country. WHO Disease Outbreak News, 4 May 2026.