Is the Hantavirus in the U.S.? Update Amid 2026 Cruise Ship Chaos

However, the Andes Hantavirus is known for possibly transmitting from person to person. This type of virus is primarily found in Chile and Argentina, which is where the MV Hondius cruise ship came from.

Is the Hantavirus in the U.S.?

In general, yes. Hantavirus cases have been present throughout the U.S. for years. Most cases in the Western Hemisphere are hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

As of May 14, 2026, however, there were no confirmed U.S. cases connected to the recent Andes virus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius. According to the CDC, dozens of Americans are still being monitored after possible exposure to infected passengers during the cruise and subsequent travel. The agency has reportedly been conducting detailed risk assessments to determine which individuals may require quarantine or further medical monitoring.

According to NBC News reporting, passengers who previously disembarked from the cruise ship traveled back to Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Virginia and California.

Is There a Hantavirus Epidemic?

No. At the time of publication, the WHO has not declared this outbreak of hantavirus an epidemic. During a May 2026 WHO briefing, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove emphasized that hantavirus is different from coronaviruses, specifically SARS-CoV-2, which we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I want to be unequivocal here: this is not SARS-CoV-2. This is not the start of a COVID pandemic,” she said. “This is an outbreak that we see on a ship (and) there’s a confined area. … But this is not the same situation we were in six years ago.”

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