90-Second Read: CDPH Aware of California Passengers Exposed to Andes Hantavirus Outbreak on International Cruise Ship

What You Need to Know: CDPH is closely coordinating with federal and local health partners following notification that California residents were aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise ship that experienced an outbreak of Andes Hantavirus. SACRAMENTO, The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is closely coordinating with federal and local health partners following CDC notification that California residents were aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which is experiencing an outbreak of Andes Hantavirus. This test can also detect other Hantaviruses, including Andes virus, which is responsible for the cruise ship outbreak. As there are no known cases of Andes Hantavirus infection from people without symptoms, and any spread has usually been limited to people with prolonged close contact with an ill person with this virus, the risk to the general.

CDPH VRDL is providing consultation to other state public health laboratories across the country to support Hantavirus PCR testing capacity. The Andes Hantavirus identified in this cruise ship outbreak is found in the southern Andes region of Argentina and Chile. Andes Hantavirus is different than the Sin Nombre Hantavirus, which is native to California and North America. Credit: Courtesy What You Need to Know: CDPH is closely coordinating with federal and local health partners following notification that California Press releases are posted on Independent.com as a free community service. We understand that news of an unusual outbreak can be concerning," said Dr.

At this time, local, state, national and global public health partners are working together to assess and care for people who may have been exposed and prevent spread of the virus. At this time, public health protocol includes daily temperature checks and assessment for any symptoms consistent with Hantavirus, and direction to modify activities. Andes Hantavirus has also been associated with rare human‑to‑human transmission after close, prolonged contact with an ill infected person. From 1980 to 2025, 99 California residents have been diagnosed with Sin Nombre Hantavirus infection. One individual has returned to the state and is in contact with local public health officials regarding their exposure.

Hantavirus is a group of viruses that spread through the urine, droppings (feces), and saliva of wild rodents. Hantaviruses include both the Sin Nombre and Andes virus strains. One of the individuals has returned home and is in contact with local public health officials. Local health officials are in contact with the one returned passenger. Sin Nombre Hantavirus has not been associated with person-to-person transmission.