Key points
- CDC is responding to a deadly outbreak of Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, among passengers and crew of a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
- To date, no cases of Andes virus have been confirmed in the United States as a result of this outbreak.
- The risk of a pandemic caused by this outbreak and the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains extremely low.
Current situation
CDC is responding to a deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean, reported on May 2, 2026.
The type of hantavirus responsible for this outbreak is the Andes virus, which can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). HPS is a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs.
What CDC is doing
- CDC worked closely with other U.S. government agencies and international partners to bring Americans on the ship home as quickly and as safely as possible.
- CDC, in coordination with state and federal partners, repatriated passengers from the affected cruise ship to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit and Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.
- Both are high containment facilities that provide a secure environment for treatment of infectious diseases.
- CDC is providing technical assistance and guidance to other public health authorities responding to this outbreak.
- CDC has worked with health departments to confirm that all exposed passengers are being monitored by public health officials.
- CDC responds to sick travelers at U.S. ports of entry 24/7, 365 days of the year.
- CDC works with other federal agencies, health departments, airlines, and international partners to identify and follow up with people potentially exposed to a contagious disease of public health concern during travel.
- CDC port health stations are part of a network that serves to limit the introduction and spread of contagious diseases in the United States.
Resources
An overview of Andes virus, signs and symptoms, how it spreads, and treatment.
Hantavirus infection causes potentially serious diseases. Hantavirus is spread by rodents.
Clinical information about HPS, a severe disease that affects the lungs.
Hantavirus disease is a nationally notifiable condition.
Guidance for managing people potentially exposed to Andes virus during the current outbreak.
A toolkit with resources related to the current hantavirus outbreak.
Find answers to questions about the Andes virus outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean.