Published: May 12, 2026 | Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Quick Summary

The CDC is responding to a serious outbreak of Andes virus—a type of hantavirus—among passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The outbreak was first reported on May 2, 2026.

Key facts:
- Andes virus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe and potentially fatal illness that affects the lungs
- No cases linked to this outbreak have been confirmed in the United States
- The risk of widespread transmission or a pandemic remains extremely low
- The overall risk to the American public and most travelers is very low

What Is Andes Virus?

Andes virus is a type of hantavirus found primarily in South America. It is carried by rodents, particularly certain species of mice and rats.

How it spreads:
- Breathing in tiny particles contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Rarely, through bites from infected rodents
- Uniquely among hantaviruses, Andes virus can also spread from person to person through close contact with an infected person's bodily fluids

Symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS):
- Early stage (1–5 weeks after exposure): Fever, fatigue, muscle aches (especially in large muscle groups like thighs, hips, and back), headache, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Late stage (4–10 days after early symptoms): Cough, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup in the lungs

HPS is a medical emergency. About 38 percent of people who develop HPS do not survive, even with treatment.

What Happened on the Cruise Ship?

On May 2, 2026, health authorities were notified of a cluster of severe respiratory illnesses among passengers and crew on a cruise ship traveling in the Atlantic Ocean. Laboratory testing confirmed Andes virus as the cause.

Because Andes virus can spread between people in close-contact settings, health officials took immediate action to:
- Isolate sick individuals
- Identify and monitor people who may have been exposed
- Prevent further transmission during passenger repatriation

How CDC Is Responding

The CDC is working around the clock with U.S. government agencies and international partners to manage this situation.

Repatriation and Medical Care

American passengers from the affected cruise ship have been safely returned to the United States
Individuals requiring medical evaluation or treatment were transported to specialized high-containment facilities:
Nebraska Biocontainment Unit in Omaha
Emory University Hospital in Atlanta
These facilities are equipped to safely care for patients with serious infectious diseases while protecting healthcare workers and the public

Monitoring and Follow-Up

CDC is providing technical guidance to public health authorities responding to the outbreak
All passengers who may have been exposed are being monitored by health officials
CDC staff are available 24/7 at U.S. ports of entry to evaluate and assist sick travelers

Preventing Further Spread

CDC works with airlines, health departments, and international partners to:
- Identify travelers who may have been exposed to contagious diseases
- Provide guidance on quarantine, testing, and symptom monitoring
- Limit the introduction and spread of infectious diseases within the United States

What This Means for Travelers

If You Were on the Affected Cruise Ship

Follow all instructions from public health officials regarding monitoring or quarantine
Watch for symptoms for 6 weeks after your last possible exposure
If you develop fever, muscle aches, or breathing difficulties, seek medical care immediately and mention your travel history

If You Are Planning Cruise Travel

The risk of encountering Andes virus on a cruise ship remains extremely low
This outbreak involved specific circumstances and does not represent a general risk to cruise travel
Practice good hygiene: wash hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and report any illness to ship medical staff promptly

If You Are Traveling to Areas Where Andes Virus Is Found

Andes virus is primarily found in rural areas of Argentina and Chile. If traveling to these regions:
- Avoid contact with rodents and their droppings
- Do not sweep or vacuum areas that may be contaminated with rodent waste (this can release virus particles into the air)
- Store food in rodent-proof containers
- Seal gaps in cabins, tents, or buildings where rodents could enter
- Use traps or professional pest control if rodent activity is observed

How to Protect Yourself from Hantaviruses

Whether at home or while traveling, these steps reduce your risk of hantavirus exposure:

✅ Keep rodents out of living spaces: Seal cracks and holes in buildings, install door sweeps, and repair damaged screens
✅ Trap rodents safely: Use snap traps; avoid handling rodents with bare hands
✅ Clean contaminated areas carefully:
- Do not sweep or vacuum dry rodent droppings or nesting materials
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray urine and droppings with a disinfectant or bleach solution and let soak for 5 minutes
- Wipe up with a paper towel and dispose of waste in a sealed plastic bag
- Wash gloved hands with disinfectant, then remove gloves and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
✅ Avoid high-risk activities: Do not disturb rodent nests or burrows; avoid sleeping on the ground in areas with rodent activity

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you:
- Develop fever, muscle aches, or fatigue within 6 weeks of possible rodent exposure or travel to an area with Andes virus
- Experience worsening shortness of breath, cough, or chest tightness
- Were in close contact with someone diagnosed with Andes virus infection

Tell your provider about:
- Recent travel history
- Possible exposure to rodents or their droppings
- Contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with hantavirus infection

Early recognition and supportive care in a hospital setting improve outcomes for people with HPS.

Resources for More Information

For the public:
- CDC Hantavirus homepage: Information on prevention, symptoms, and risk factors
- Andes Virus Frequently Asked Questions: Detailed guidance for travelers and exposed individuals
- Hantavirus Outbreak Toolkit: Resources for communities and organizations

For healthcare providers:
- Clinical Overview of Hantavirus: Diagnosis, testing, and management guidance
- Clinician Brief: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): Quick-reference clinical information
- Case Definition and Reporting: Instructions for reporting suspected cases to public health authorities

For public health professionals:
- Andes Virus Public Health Guidance: Protocols for contact tracing, monitoring, and infection control
- Veterinary Guidance: Information on rodent surveillance and animal health considerations

The Bottom Line

While the Andes virus outbreak on a cruise ship is a serious public health event, the risk to most Americans remains very low. CDC and its partners are taking comprehensive steps to protect passengers, prevent further spread, and ensure appropriate medical care for those affected.

By staying informed, practicing good hygiene, and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms develop, travelers can continue to explore the world safely.

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