Six US States Monitor Nine Residents for Possible Andes Virus Infection Following MV Hondius Cruise Ship Outbreak

Multiple US states are conducting health monitoring of nine residents following a hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. The outbreak involves the Andes virus (ANDV), the only hantavirus strain capable of person-to-person transmission, though transmission remains rare and typically requires close, prolonged contact with infected individuals or bodily fluids. Three deaths have been confirmed in connection with the outbreak. Nine US residents across six states are under surveillance; New Jersey officials are monitoring two individuals who had potential exposure during air travel from contacts with an infected person who departed the ship. No monitored individuals have displayed symptoms to date. The CDC has classified the situation as a 'Level 3' emergency response and is dispatching personnel to bring Americans back to quarantine facilities in Nebraska. Public health risk to the general US population remains low.