90-Second Read: Special report: Andes Hantavirus risk assessment

Alex Isakov to break down the rapidly developing Andes Hantavirus outbreak linked to the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius. The World Health Organization reported a cluster of Hantavirus cases aboard the MV Hondius, traveling from Argentina toward Cape Verde. A Spanish passenger is sprayed with disinfectant by Spanish government officials before boarding a plane after disembarking from the Hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius at Tenerife airport in the Canary Islands, Spain, Sunday, May 10, 2026. In the episode, he explains how Andes Hantavirus differs from other Hantaviruses already present in North America because it is capable of person-to-person transmission in limited circumstances. WHO confirmed the virus involved was Andes Virus (ANDV), the only Hantavirus known to demonstrate human-to-human transmission in select environments.

WHO reported eight confirmed or suspected cases linked to the outbreak, including three deaths. WHO reported a total of 11 outbreak-associated cases, including three deaths. Alex Isakov to discuss the emerging Andes Hantavirus outbreak. He also serves as EMS lead for the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), where he helps lead national preparedness efforts for high-consequence infectious diseases. One laboratory-confirmed case and five suspected cases were identified.

The discussion covers transmission dynamics, incubation periods, PPE recommendations, public health monitoring and why experts continue to assess the overall public risk as low. Listeners are also directed toward the excellent educational resource hub on preparedness and response available through NETEC Hantavirus Resources. Officials stated no new deaths had occurred since May 2 and continued to assess the global public health risk as low. Isakov explains the difference between common North American Hantaviruses and Andes Virus, emphasizing the rare person-to-person transmission capability. Isakov is professor of emergency medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and executive director of the Emory Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR).

Officials reported all arriving passengers were asymptomatic at the time of transfer. Nine cases were laboratory-confirmed Andes Virus infections, with two additional probable cases under investigation. Spanish authorities and WHO personnel prepared health screening and epidemiologic investigation operations as the vessel approached the Canary Islands. One symptomatic patient was admitted to the hospital's serious communicable diseases unit while one asymptomatic close contact underwent evaluation and monitoring under biocontainment protocols. Review of quarantine operations in Nebraska and ongoing public health monitoring of exposed American passengers.