90-Second Read: Is Hantavirus in Illinois in 2026? IDPH investigating potential case in Winnebago County, IL not linked to cruise ship outbreak

IDPH is investigating a potential case in Winnebago County that is not linked to a cruise ship outbreak. Excluding this latest potential case, Illinois has had seven positive cases of Hantavirus since 1993, most recently in March 2025. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has not been notified of any Illinois residents being passengers on the MV Hondius during the Hantavirus outbreak.

The North American strain of the Hantavirus is not spread from person-to-person, IDPH said. This is different from the Andes strain associated with the MV Hondius cruise ship. The risk of contracting Hantavirus of any kind remains very low for Illinois residents, IDPH said.

Orkin, a nationwide pest control company, says they have specific protocols in place when dealing with wildlife and rodent droppings to help mitigate potential spread. While the risk to Illinois communities is currently very low, IDPH is coordinating closely with health care providers, local public health departments, and emergency management partners. The CDC said its test results could take up to 10 days.