Frequently Asked Questions - Andes Virus

Updated: 5/14/2026

What is the Andes virus?

Hantavirus disease is caused by several different strains of hantaviruses. Hantaviruses are found in wild rodents, such as mice and rats, in different parts of the world.

Andes virus is a type of hantavirus that can cause severe respiratory disease in people, called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). It is spread by rodents in South America and less commonly, by other infected people. The rodents that carry Andes virus have not been found in the United States.

The strain associated with the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak is Andes virus.

How does the Andes virus spread?

Hantaviruses in the United States are spread from rodents to humans through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

The Andes virus also usually spreads from rodents to humans. However, unlike the strain found in the United States, Andes virus has shown evidence of spread from person to person via close contact, including through respiratory droplets, body fluids and fomites. While the potential for person-to-person transmission does exist, based on limited literature, the risk of such transmission is not as high as common respiratory diseases, such as colds or COVID-19. There is no documented evidence of asymptomatic transmission of Andes virus.

What symptoms are associated with hantavirus?

Hantavirus can cause flu-like illness and can progress to respiratory failure and death. This is true for both hantavirus strains found in United States and Andes virus.

How is hantavirus infection treated?

There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection. Treatment is supportive, meaning healthcare largely focuses on symptom management.

Is a vaccine available for any type of hantavirus?

There is no vaccine available for hantavirus at this time.

Does New York have experience dealing with hantavirus?

Yes. There have been seven hantavirus cases since 2011 in New York State.

How many individuals were on board the MV Hondius?

There were approximately 150 individuals on board, including the crew.

How many hantavirus cases are associated with the MV Hondius outbreak?

There have been ten total cases, including three who died.

How many New Yorkers were exposed onboard the MV Hondius?

There are three New Yorkers among the identified contacts who were onboard the MV Hondius. They are all currently at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and remain asymptomatic.

Are the passengers able to come back to New York before their monitoring period is complete?

Should passengers come back to New York before their monitoring period is complete, New York is prepared. Protocols are in place to transport individuals from their arrival point to the location where they will be monitored. Additionally, protocols are in place for transport to medical facilities where treatment would take place should an individual become symptomatic.

Have local health departments been notified about residents who may have been exposed?

Impacted local health departments are aware of the passengers from their jurisdictions and are prepared to monitor.

What is happening to the remaining individuals who were in contact with ill individuals?

Individuals who were on the ship, or on a plane, with ill individuals are all considered "high risk" and are subject to monitoring.

The guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to evolve as more information becomes available. The current "high risk" guidance includes symptom monitoring and public movement limitations for 42 days.

Are there any risks to New York State with respect to the Andes virus outbreak?

The current risk to the public is extremely low. The Department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

How do you test for Andes virus?

Only people who have symptoms and a known exposure history should be tested for Andes virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is able to test specimens. Hantavirus testing would require clinical consultation with the CDC. New York State's Wadsworth Labs is currently working to develop a test, as well.

How will updates be shared?