Andes Hantavirus Spreads on Cruise Ship: CDC Monitors 41 Exposed Passengers

The emergence of the Andes hantavirus—a South American strain with a 35% fatality rate—from the MV Hondius cruise ship marks a significant public health threat. Unlike typical hantavirus transmission through rodent contact, this strain spreads person-to-person, requiring intensive 42-day quarantine and monitoring to prevent community spread across the United States.