Is Hantavirus Human-To-Human Transmissible?
Hantavirus is primarily spread from rodents to humans and is not generally considered human-to-human transmissible, though rare concern is being raised about specific strains like the Andes variant that may allow limited transmission under close contact, prompting pharmacists to focus on risk assessment, prevention, and patient education.
News outlets and the media are flooded with ongoing reports regarding the hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. As the story develops, concerns about human-to-human transmission of the virus are rising.
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The most recent update involves a passenger on the ship who is receiving treatment at a hospital in Zurich after receiving an email from the ship's operator. A British patient is being treated in South Africa and, although serious, is reported to be improving. An additional 3 passengers were medically evacuated from the ship on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, and are being flown to the Netherlands.1
The World Health Organization confirmed that the strain identified in the patients is the Andes strain, which is the only known human transmissible hantavirus. This strain is primarily found in Argentina and Chile and is particularly serious with a fatality rate of approximately 40%. Contracting the Andes strain requires prolonged, close contact with infected individuals. The time of onset of symptoms can happen any time between 1 to 8 weeks.2,3
There is no treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), the disease caused by hantavirus. HPS is associated with a wide array of symptoms and complications affecting the heart and lungs. Milder symptoms can include fever, headache, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, and thrombocytopenia.3
As the disease progresses, symptom severity increases. During the cardiopulmonary phase—which lasts for several days—is characterized by tachycardia, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic shock. Leakage from pulmonary capillaries during this phase may result in respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, low blood pressure, bilateral lung infiltration, and fluid accumulation around the lungs.3
In addition to a lack of treatments, there is no vaccine or preventative alternative to hygiene and reduced exposure. Populations most affected are in more rural areas, and those who work in agriculture or encounter rodent infestations in enclosed spaces, such as barns. Individuals with an increased risk of exposure should maintain proper sanitation methods regarding personal hygiene and potential contaminated areas.3
The MV Hondius is set to dock at the Granadilla port in Tenerife, where passengers will be allowed to debark. The Madrid military will be responsible for managing quarantine for passengers with symptoms. Asymptomatic passengers are permitted to return to their countries of origin.2
