New Delhi : The hantavirus Andes strain has now become an international concern following a cruise ship outbreak. The Andes strain of hantavirus stands out as the only known variant capable of human-to-human transmission.
Most Hantavirus strains spread solely through rodent bites or scratches, as well as direct contact with contaminated material. Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, said it’s safe to assume that’s what happened with the MV Hondius outbreak, after symptoms of the illness were observed in at least two passengers and two crew members.
What Makes the Andes Strain Unique?
Unlike typical hantaviruses that only transmit from rodents to humans, the Andes strain is unique because it can spread between people. This limited human-to-human transmission usually occurs only through very close and prolonged contact, such as sharing a bed, caregiving for an ill person, or intimate household interactions.
It does not spread through casual contact, airborne transmission in public spaces, or brief encounters.The current outbreak on the luxury expedition ship MV Hondius, which departed from Ushuaia, Argentina in early April 2026, is believed to have originated from rodent exposure during the voyage, followed by secondary person-to-person spread among close contacts.
1. Hantavirus Symptoms: How Serious Is the Infection?
The Andes strain can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a potentially severe respiratory illness. Early symptoms resemble the flu — fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. These can rapidly progress to coughing, shortness of breath, and life-threatening lung complications.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early symptoms of Andes virus can look like flu and include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Muscle ache/back pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
While the fatality rate for Andes virus infections can be significant, prompt medical care in a hospital setting greatly improves outcomes. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available; management relies on supportive care such as oxygen therapy and intensive monitoring.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated, “The risk posed by this hantavirus is “low” for “the rest of the world,” which dismisses any similarity with the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Is There A Vaccine For Hantavirus?
The hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has also renewed attention on a troubling reality: despite decades of research, there is still no widely approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the rare but potentially deadly infection.
For over three decades, Jay Hooper from the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases has been researching vaccines against hantavirus strains, including the Andes virus.
Speaking to Nature, Hooper said early clinical trials have shown promising results, with the Andes DNA vaccine producing neutralising antibodies in humans. However, he noted that the vaccine currently requires at least three doses, while the rarity of Andes virus cases makes large-scale efficacy trials difficult.
Meanwhile, researchers at University of Bath are also developing a potential vaccine. According to News Medical Life Sciences, Professor Asel Sartbaeva said laboratory and animal testing has shown strong immune responses, though further clinical trials are still needed.
For the average person with no connection to the ship or recent travel to endemic areas, the risk of contracting the Andes strain is considered negligible. Travellers planning cruises or trips to South America should remain vigilant about rodent exposure in rural or wilderness areas but do not need to cancel plans.
3. How to Protect Yourself From the Andes Virus Infection?
Health authorities, including the WHO and ECDC, have stated that the risk to the general public remains low. The outbreak is currently contained to the MV Hondius and its passengers. The virus is not circulating widely in Europe or most parts of the world, as its primary rodent host is not present outside its endemic regions in South America.
While the risk of contracting the Andes strain of hantavirus remains very low for the general public, simple precautions can significantly reduce your chances of exposure — especially if you are travelling to South America or find yourself in close-contact environments.
To prevent human-to-human transmission, experts recommend the following:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or touching your face.
- Avoid kissing and sexual contact with anyone who may have been exposed to the Andes virus.
- Do not share drinks, cigarettes, hookahs, or vapes with others.
- Avoid sharing eating utensils or eating food from the same plate or bowl as someone who may be infected.
- Maintain physical distance from individuals showing symptoms or those who may have been exposed to the virus.
