NYC EP Alert: 5.11.2026 Hantavirus
DOHMH Issues Advisory on Andes Strain Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to Cruise Ship
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has released a health advisory regarding an international outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus associated with the MV Hondius cruise ship. As of May 7, 2026, eight cases, including three deaths, have been identified among passengers and crew.
At this time, there are no known New York City exposures connected to the outbreak, and DOHMH states that the overall risk to New Yorkers remains extremely low. However, healthcare providers are being advised to remain vigilant for individuals presenting with compatible symptoms and relevant travel or exposure history.
What Home Care Agencies Should Do
Home care providers should take the following precautionary steps:
- Reinforce infection prevention and control protocols with clinical staff, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Educate field staff to promptly report patients presenting with fever, respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal illness, or rapidly worsening respiratory distress, particularly if there is recent international travel or cruise ship exposure.
- Review procedures for escalation of care and emergency response if a patient appears acutely ill.
- Ensure staff understand when to contact supervising clinicians and public health authorities regarding suspected communicable disease concerns.
- Continue following routine clinical precautions unless otherwise directed by public health authorities.
About Andes Strain Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are primarily spread through exposure to infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The Andes strain, found mainly in parts of South America, is unusual because limited person-to-person transmission has been documented in close-contact settings, including healthcare environments.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Cough and chest pain
Illness may rapidly progress to severe respiratory complications, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
DOHMH advises that suspected or confirmed cases should be managed using airborne infection isolation precautions, including gown, gloves, eye protection, and an N95 respirator or higher-level protection.
Providers with questions or concerns regarding suspected cases should immediately contact the NYC Health Department at 866-692-3641.
