APIC is continuing to monitor an outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus associated with a Dutch-flagged cruise ship (MV Hondius) that traveled from Ushuaia, Argentina, across the South Atlantic in April 2026. 

Below is an update on the current state of this outbreak, as well as the guidance available for response.

Current Situation

• As of May 11, 2026: 9 cases (7 laboratory-confirmed and 2 probable) have been reported internationally, including 3 deaths.
• To date, all identified cases were passengers on the cruise ship.
• The causative virus is Andes virus (ANDV), which can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and is the only hantavirus known to have limited person-to-person transmission, typically requiring close, prolonged contact. The Andes virus is endemic in Argentina and Chile but not in the United States.
• WHO, CDC, and ECDC assess the risk to the general public as low; risk to passengers and crew is considered moderate.

Clinical Considerations

• Incubation: 4–42 days
• Early symptoms: fever, myalgia, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms
• Severe disease: rapidly progressive pneumonia, ARDS, shock
• Case fatality: ~38% among those who develop respiratory disease [who.int], [cdc.gov] 

Infection Prevention & Response

• Conduct travel screening at the time of patient presentation.
• Report suspected cases immediately to local or state public health authorities for testing and coordination.
• Patients with known or suspected Andes virus infection should be placed in an AIIR, and a gown, gloves, eye protection, and an N95 or higher-level respirator should be worn when entering the room.
• Both high-risk and low-risk contacts of known and suspected cases should self-isolate (See CDC guidance link below).