Fewer than 30 past hantavirus cases reported in the US each year

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started monitoring the hantavirus disease in 1993, a total of 857 cases have been recorded

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started monitoring the hantavirus disease in 1993, a total of 857 cases have been recorded

Several state health departments tell us that they are monitoring people who were on that infected cruise ship and have since disembarked and returned home like in Georgia and Texas. There is reportedly even more Americans who are on board that infected cruise ship right now, like some from California, but health experts stress the risk of this becoming *** pandemic. Or affecting America at large is extremely low. *** medical emergency out at sea. The World Health Organization confirms 3 are dead and several others sick as they work to track down and monitor new potential hnta virus cases. The WHO confirming today ongoing communication with the US We've been exchanging information. As we are speaking right now, the US CDC has been joining Guan, so are the states, so the information flow is there. We asked what the administration is doing to prepare for Americans at home and abroad. *** State Department spokesperson tells us they are in close contact with the cruise ship and passengers and stand ready to provide consular assistance to affected Americans. The CDC also says. Through *** whole of government response, it is working closely with international partners to provide technical assistance and guidance to mitigate risk. The WHO reports *** fatality rate of up to 50% for the Andes strain of the virus, which is connected to the ship, if not caught early. Now people are concerned and asking questions like, is there *** vaccine or *** cure? There are No approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for this. Health experts stressing still the risk is low as transmission takes prolonged close contact with an infected person, making spread uncommon and inefficient and unlikely to turn into another pandemic while passengers on the infected cruise ship isolate and ride out the next. 3 weeks, which should be enough for them to basically say that this outbreak is over. Experts tell us that hnta virus outbreaks have happened in the US before, and that's why they're warning people to remain cautious around certain areas of your home where rodents may be. That is the primary way that the Hanta virus spreads. Reporting in Washington, I'm Amy Lowe.

Updated: 7:52 PM EDT May 7, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Fewer than 30 past hantavirus cases reported in the US each year

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started monitoring the hantavirus disease in 1993, a total of 857 cases have been recorded

Updated: 7:52 PM EDT May 7, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Hantavirus infections in the United States are rare, with fewer than a total of 30 cases reported each year. This disease, known as the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), spreads to humans through inhalation of the virus from the urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents. Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started monitoring hantavirus disease in 1993, a total of 857 cases have been recorded. About a third of these cases have ended in death. New Mexico has the highest number of hantavirus cases, with 126 reported from 1993 to 2023. Colorado follows with 120 cases, and Arizona has 91.Hantavirus disease varies by the type of virus and geographical location. According to the World Health Organization, hantavirus infections in the Americas have been known to lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a rapidly progressive condition affecting the lungs and heart. Symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches. Some people also experience headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If left untreated, other symptoms may appear, including coughing and shortness of breath.The type of hantavirus that led to three deaths on the MV Hondas cruise ship is the Andes virus. The Andes virus is spread by rodents in South America and is the only type of hantavirus known to spread person-to-person. This includes direct physical contact, prolonged time spent in close or enclosed spaces and exposure to the sick person's body fluids, according to the WHO.Three people — a Dutch couple and a German national — have died since the MV Hondas cruise ship departed Argentina last month.U.S. health officials are closely monitoring American travelers in the vessel who are returning home. Global health officials say the risk of a widespread outbreak remains low.

NEW YORK —

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started monitoring hantavirus disease in 1993, a total of 857 cases have been recorded. About a third of these cases have ended in death.

New Mexico has the highest number of hantavirus cases, with 126 reported from 1993 to 2023. Colorado follows with 120 cases, and Arizona has 91.

Hantavirus disease varies by the type of virus and geographical location. According to the World Health Organization, hantavirus infections in the Americas have been known to lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a rapidly progressive condition affecting the lungs and heart.

Symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches. Some people also experience headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If left untreated, other symptoms may appear, including coughing and shortness of breath.

The type of hantavirus that led to three deaths on the MV Hondas cruise ship is the Andes virus. The Andes virus is spread by rodents in South America and is the only type of hantavirus known to spread person-to-person. This includes direct physical contact, prolonged time spent in close or enclosed spaces and exposure to the sick person's body fluids, according to the WHO.

Three people — a Dutch couple and a German national — have died since the MV Hondas cruise ship departed Argentina last month.

U.S. health officials are closely monitoring American travelers in the vessel who are returning home. Global health officials say the risk of a widespread outbreak remains low.

Make WLKY a preferred source on Google

Fewer than 30 past hantavirus cases reported in the US each year

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started monitoring the hantavirus disease in 1993, a total of 857 cases have been recorded

Weather Information

Share

Top Picks