Hantavirus—How It’s Different From COVID-19 And The U.S. Response

InnovationHealthcareHantavirus—How It’s Different From COVID-19 And The U.S. ResponseByOmer Awan,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Dr. Omer Awan is a practicing physician who covers public health.Follow AuthorMay 08, 2026, 08:17pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.TOPSHOT - This aerial picture shows a general view of the cruise ship MV Hondius stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 3, 2026. An outbreak of "severe acute respiratory illness" on board a cruise ship in the Atlantic has left two people dead and a third in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa's health ministry told AFP on May 3, 2026.The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde. The patient being treated in Johannesburg tested positive for a hantavirus, a family of viruses that can cause hemorrhagic fever, South African spokesperson Foster Mohale said. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesA hantavirus outbreak from a cruise ship in the Atlantic ocean has already resulted in three deaths, with eight cases identified (five confirmed and three suspected). This outbreak continues to make headlines given the deadly nature of the disease as well as its rarity. The current strain responsible for the outbreak, known as the Andes strain, is rare and is the only type of hantavirus known to spread person-to-person. The majority of hantavirus cases occur through direct contact with infected rodents and do not spread person-to-person.The World Health Organization has been coordinating a global response to help contain the virus and minimize risk. The risk to the global population from this outbreak is low, according to the World Health Organization. Current State Of PassengersMore than 100 passengers who are currently on the ship will disembark this weekend in the Ca...