Georgia monitors cruise ship couple exposed to Andes virus; epidemiologist rules out pandemic risk

Georgia Department of Public Health is monitoring two residents exposed to Andes virus aboard a cruise ship, with officials potentially tracking them for up to 45 days post-exposure. As of the report, the couple was near the 18-day mark, approaching the window when symptoms would typically appear if infection occurred. Andes virus (ANDV) is the only hantavirus strain capable of human-to-human transmission, but Emory epidemiologist Jodie Guest emphasized transmission is extremely limited—occurring only during a brief infectious period (<1 day) when fever first spikes and requiring close quarters or medical care contact. The couple likely contracted the virus during a bird-watching expedition in Argentina. With a 35% case fatality rate and fewer than 900 cases reported in the past 30 years, experts rule out pandemic potential but stress the importance of healthcare worker awareness, PPE preparedness, and international collaboration via the WHO.