May 8, 2026 – The CDC has officially activated its Emergency Operations Center at Level 3 to manage a targeted response to a hantavirus cluster. This designation streamlines resources for state and local health departments to monitor potential exposure.

Key Outbreak Details

The response centers on the Andes strain of hantavirus, identified among passengers of the MV Hondius cruise ship. Unlike most hantaviruses, the Andes strain is capable of limited person-to-person transmission, prompting heightened surveillance.

• Confirmed Cases: 5
• Fatalities: 3
• US Exposure: 17 residents across 5 states are currently under voluntary monitoring.

Risk and Symptoms

While the CDC classifies the risk to the general public as low, the Level 3 activation ensures rapid tracking of disembarked passengers. Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) include:

• High fever and severe muscle aches.
• Nausea and abdominal pain.
• Progressive shortness of breath and coughing.

Public Health Guidance

The CDC is working with international partners to trace all individuals who traveled on the vessel in April. Unless you have had direct contact with a confirmed case or were aboard the MV Hondius, no immediate action is required. Health officials recommend standard rodent control as the primary method of general hantavirus prevention.

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