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. This test can also detect other Hantaviruses, including Andes virus, which is responsible for the cruise ship outbreak. The Andes Hantavirus identified in this cruise ship outbreak is found in the southern Andes region of Argentina and Chile. 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 public in California is extremely low.

CDPH VRDL is providing consultation to other state public health laboratories across the country to support Hantavirus PCR testing capacity. Andes Hantavirus is different than the Sin Nombre Hantavirus, which is native to California and North America. From 1980 to 2025, 99 California residents have been diagnosed with Sin Nombre Hantavirus infection. 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.

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. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare but severe respiratory illness that can develop following exposure.

Hantaviruses include both the Sin Nombre and Andes virus strains. There is no antiviral treatment for Hantavirus and HPS typically needs aggressive critical medical supportive care. As of May 8, CDPH has been informed that there are no ill passengers on board, and the federal government is working to secure the safe return of all United States passengers.