The outbreak of hantavirus has sparked concern globally, as many brace themselves for another potential global pandemic. As fear spreads, it’s important to get the facts straight about this elusive virus. 

Word of hantavirus spread following the highly televised outbreak on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius. On May 2, 2026, a group of passengers developed severe respiratory illness caused by the rare Andes strain. As of May 28, there are 13 total cases (eleven of which are confirmed, and two cases that are probable) and three confirmed deaths. Despite public scrutiny, the ship docked in the Netherlands, and passengers are quarantined in their home countries.

Hantavirus is a family of viruses transmitted to humans through close contact with infected rodents. Transmission of hantavirus is airborne, similar to SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus), with hantavirus spreading via inhalation of contaminated rodent excrement. However, hantavirus generally does not spread from person-to-person, with exception of the rare Andes strain.

Hantavirus causes severe respiratory and renal illnesses, with mortality rates up to 50% for infected Americans. Symptoms appear within one to eight weeks of exposure and include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. Hantavirus infection can worsen quickly, causing severe, often fatal, respiratory illness called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. As the disease progresses, late symptoms include rapid coughing and severe respiratory distress caused by fluid build up in the blood vessels of the lungs called pulmonary edema. Although there is currently no treatment, early intensive care has been shown to improve chances of survival.

As with any infection, prevention knowledge is key to containment. To minimize the risk of infection, avoid cleaning rodent-infested areas without personal protection like masks and gloves. Additionally, seal homes against rodents and use disinfectant on rodent droppings instead of sweeping, which can stir up dust.

Since hantavirus disease surveillance began in the United States, there have only been two confirmed cases in DC, both confirmed in the early 2000s; the patients were hospitalized and reported to have survived by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of late, there have been no new confirmed cases of hantavirus. 

Hantavirus has been studied for decades,  Its first known outbreak dated back to the Korean War. Since then, there have been fewer than 900 cases in the US. Overall, scientists are using this outbreak to learn more about hantavirus should the Andes strain spread. •