Hantavirus Tracker

The absence of secondary cases following a cruise ship Andes hantavirus exposure confirms that person-to-person transmission, while possible, remains rare—fewer than 3% of contacts develop infection.

The successful quarantine outcome reinforces the need for sustained vigilance with the 'Identify, Isolate, Inform' framework, as even a single high-risk event can stress surveillance systems even when transmission is uncommon.

Tracking: hantavirus

Geography: Americas, Asia, Europe, rural areas, Southwest United States, China, South Korea, Scandinavia, Argentina, Chile

1. No new Andes hantavirus cases after cruise ship exposure monitoring

Public health authorities monitored individuals exposed to Andes hantavirus during an international cruise ship outbreak, with some quarantined at the National Quarantine Unit in Nebraska.

As of the May 19, 2026 NETEC town hall, no additional cases have been reported and all monitored passengers have completed or departed quarantine.

The event underscores that while person-to-person transmission of Andes virus is documented, it remains uncommon — studies show fewer than 3% of exposed individuals develop infection even after high-risk contact.

Healthcare facilities are urged to maintain strong screening, isolation, and PPE practices using the “Identify, Isolate, Inform” framework.

Key facts:

- No additional Andes hantavirus cases reported after cruise ship exposure monitoring.

- Monitored passengers at Nebraska's National Quarantine Unit have completed or departed quarantine.

- Fewer than 3% of exposed individuals developed infection after high-risk exposures in South American studies.

- Andes hantavirus is unique among North American hantaviruses for documented person-to-person transmission.

- NETEC recommends PPE for dry or stable viral hemorrhagic fever when caring for suspected cases.

Why it matters: The cruise ship outbreak, though contained, demonstrates that emerging zoonotic pathogens can appear in unexpected settings like international travel.

For frontline healthcare facilities, the low but real risk of person-to-person transmission of Andes hantavirus reinforces the value of preparedness frameworks originally designed for Ebola and viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Maintaining strong screening, isolation, and public health coordination now can prevent larger outbreaks later — especially as environmental changes may increase rodent-human contact.

Netec