Cluster of Hantavirus, Andes Virus Cases Associated with International Cruise, No NJ Cases, Risk to NJ Residents Remains Low

Published:
May 12, 2026

What You Need To Know

Key Points or Updates:

  • A cluster of Hantavirus cases in passengers aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has been reported, impacting residents from multiple countries and initiating a coordinated international  response to investigate and limit spread. As of 5/8/26, there are 5 confirmed cases and 3  suspect cases associated with this cluster, with 3 deaths. There are no cases of hantavirus in  New Jersey, and the risk to NJ residents remains extremely low. 
  • There are a small number of United States residents, including NJ residents, that may have had  exposures to infected individuals either on the cruise ship or during airline travel. NJDOH Communicable Disease Service (CDS) is coordinating with the CDC and local health departments  (LHDs) on follow up with any NJ residents that may have had exposures to infected individuals. 
  • This cluster of hantavirus cases is caused by the Andes virus strain, which can cause a severe  respiratory disease in people (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome) and is the only strain of hantavirus known to be able to spread between persons. Person-to-person spread is usually  limited to people who have had direct physical contact with an infected individual, prolonged  time spent in close or enclosed spaces, or exposure to the sick person’s body fluids. The  incubation period can range from 4-42 days, and asymptomatic individuals are not considered  infectious. 
  • There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection. Patients should receive supportive care.  Symptoms may develop rapidly, and early medical care is critical. Infection Prevention and  Control recommendations for Andes virus include patient placement in an AIIR and using  appropriate PPE when evaluating suspect cases, including a gown, gloves, eye protection and an  N95 respirator or higher. Testing for hantavirus is available at the CDC. NJDOH will work with  LHDs and healthcare providers to coordinate testing. 
  • Rodents are the main reservoir of hantavirus species; Andes virus is not present in rodent  populations in the United States and is typically found in South America..

Action Items:

Local Health Departments:

  • If additional NJ resident exposures are identified, NJDOH/CDS will notify those LHDs. LHDs should conduct outreach to those individuals, perform an initial risk assessment, and establish  procedures for symptom monitoring. 
  • All exposed individuals should self-monitor for symptoms daily for 42 days after their last  exposure, and immediately report compatible symptoms to the LHD. NJDOH/CDS will work with  the LHD to review exposure risk levels and establish timeframes for LHD active monitoring. 
  • Symptoms consistent with Andes virus: fever, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting,  diarrhea, abdominal pain), loss of appetite, headache, muscle aches or back pain, or respiratory  symptoms (chest pain, coughing, or difficulty breathing) 
  • LHDs should immediately notify NJDOH/CDS if any contacts develop symptoms of Andes virus. 

Health Care Providers:

  • Obtain a travel history: Healthcare providers should routinely assess recent travel history when  evaluating patients. Although the risk of travel-associated hantavirus infection is low, consider  Andes virus infection in patients with compatible symptoms and recent travel to South America  or close contact with a symptomatic person with Andes virus infection. Travel history may also  identify other serious travel-associated illnesses, including malaria. Other hantavirus strains  present in the United States are associated with rodent exposure and are not known to spread  person-to-person. 
  • Reporting Requirements: Suspect or confirmed cases of hantavirus are immediately reportable  in NJ to the LHD. Contact NJDOH CDS if the LHD is unable to be reached. 

Contact Information: