2026 Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship
On May 2, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) received a report of a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The cases were confirmed to be caused by the Andes virus, which is the only type of hantavirus that has demonstrated the ability to spread from person to person, but this is rare. Andes virus is typically found in South America, and symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, chills, and abdominal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Learn more about Andes virus and other types of hantaviruses here.
As of May 12, eleven cases (nine confirmed and two suspected) have been identified, including three deaths. The remaining passengers and crew will undergo symptom monitoring by their respective countries and jurisdictions for 42 days following their disembarkation from the ship. Those who develop symptoms will receive prompt medical care.
The risk to the general public is extremely low. This website will be updated as the situation develops. Please contact DC Health at [email protected] with questions concerning this outbreak.
Additional Resources
- About Hantavirus | CDC
- Hantavirus | WHO
- About Andes Virus | CDC
- Hantavirus Prevention | CDC
- Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-country | WHO