Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak Sparks Global Health Caution

An outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise ship has resulted in three deaths and has sickened several others. Despite this, global health officials maintain that the risk to the general public is low. Hantavirus is a rare rodent-borne disease that spreads mainly through contact with rodents. It does not easily transmit from person to person.

Worldwide Presence

Hantaviruses are found around the globe. In severe cases, the virus can lead to deadly lung infections or kidney failure. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness at the World Health Organization, stated, “This is not the next COVID, but it is a serious infectious disease.” The disease drew increased attention last year following the death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, in New Mexico.

Transmission and Risks

Paul Hunter, a professor at the University of East Anglia, explained that hantavirus can spread through aerosolized particles from rodent droppings. The Andes virus, responsible for the current outbreak, might spread between people in rare instances. Unlike COVID-19, which spreads easily, hantavirus requires close contact for transmission.

Low Pandemic Risk

There is little chance of the current outbreak leading to a pandemic. Though the Andes virus is capable of spreading, it is not new and does not appear to be spreading widely. Health officials are categorizing the cruise ship outbreak as a “cluster” or an “outbreak” rather than an epidemic.

Argentinian Investigation

Investigators suspect the outbreak may trace back to a birdwatching trip in Ushuaia, Argentina. However, the virus had not been previously detected in the province. Argentina has seen a rise in hantavirus cases, partially attributed to climate change.

Transmission and Symptoms

The virus spreads mainly through contact with rodent droppings or bodily fluids. Infection usually starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle aches, and can progress to serious conditions like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome or hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.

Prevalence and Research

Hantavirus infections are rare. In 2025, the Americas reported 229 cases and 59 deaths. Infections in the U.S. are more common in western states like New Mexico and Arizona. While most hantaviruses do not spread between people, the Andes virus might, though it requires close contact.

Treatment and Prevention

No specific treatment exists for hantavirus, but early medical intervention improves survival chances. Researchers aim to understand why the disease varies in severity among individuals. The best prevention method is reducing exposure to rodents by using protective measures when cleaning areas potentially contaminated with droppings.