What Arizonans Should Know About Andes Virus and Hantavirus
Contributed Article/Courtesy ADHS
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is monitoring the current Andes virus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship while working closely with local, Tribal, and federal public health partners to keep Arizonans informed and protected.
Update as of May 12, 2026
At this time, there are no confirmed cases or exposures of the Andes virus in Arizona, and the overall risk to Arizonans remains low.
On May 5, ADHS was notified by the CDC of one resident who returned home. This individual is currently being monitored by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and remains asymptomatic. ADHS has since been notified of an additional Arizona resident who was on board the MV Hondius cruise ship. This individual is currently among the US passengers undergoing assessment and evaluation in Nebraska and will be transported home in the future following completion of assessment, and once transport arrangements are made to ensure public health and safety. Once home in Arizona, this individual will be monitored by their local public health department.
What is the Andes Virus (hantavirus strain)?
Andes virus is a type of hantavirus found primarily in parts of South America, particularly Argentina and Chile, and was first identified in Argentina in the 1990s. Like other hantaviruses, it is carried by rodents and can cause a rare but serious respiratory illness called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
While the Andes virus is not endemic to Arizona, the hantavirus most commonly found in Arizona and the Southwestern United States is called Sin Nombre virus, which is carried by the deer mouse.
While the Andes virus has been associated with rare person-to-person spread, transmission has generally been limited to prolonged close contact with someone who is actively ill. It is not spread through casual interactions in public settings.
What is Sin Nombre Virus (hantavirus strain)?
Sin Nombre virus is a type of hantavirus that is most commonly identified in the Southwest. The virus was first recognized during the 1993 outbreak near the Arizona-New Mexico border.
Arizona has detected no Sin Nombre virus (SNV) cases so far in 2026. In 2025, there were seven confirmed cases, including four deaths, primarily in northern Arizona counties. In 2024, Arizona reported 11 confirmed cases.
Most infections in Arizona are linked to exposure to rodent droppings, urine, saliva, or nesting materials, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. SNV is not transmitted person-to-person.
Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Both Andes virus and Sin Nombre virus (hantavirus strains) can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
Symptoms can appear anywhere from four to 42 days after exposure and often begin with flu-like illness, including:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
As illness progresses (usually 4-10 days after the initial symptom onset), some individuals may develop coughing, shortness of breath, or severe respiratory distress requiring hospitalization.
There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infection. Early medical attention and supportive care are important.
Simple Steps That Help Reduce Risk
For the current Andes virus situation, there is a very low risk to the public. For Arizona’s ongoing Sin Nombre virus situation, preventing rodent exposure remains important in Arizona because deer mice and Sin Nombre virus are present throughout the state.
ADHS recommends the following steps to reduce Sin Nombre hantavirus risk:
- Reduce rodent habitats around homes, garages, sheds, campsites, and workplaces by removing brush, wood piles, and food sources.
- Seal gaps or openings where rodents can enter buildings.
- Avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings, which can spread contaminated particles into the air.
- Before cleaning enclosed areas where rodents may be present, open doors and windows and allow the area to ventilate for at least 30 minutes.
- Spray rodent droppings or nesting material with a disinfectant or bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and allow it to soak before cleanup.
- Wear gloves and a mask while cleaning contaminated areas.
- Seek medical care if you develop fever, fatigue, or respiratory symptoms after rodent exposure.
Travel and Cruise Ship Concerns
At this time, there are no recommendations to avoid cruise travel. Public health officials emphasize that the risk of acquiring the Andes virus on a cruise ship remains very low, and person-to-person spread does not typically occur through casual contact in public spaces.
Travelers can reduce risk by practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with individuals who appear ill, and promptly reporting symptoms to medical staff if illness develops during or after travel. Follow CDC guidelines when traveling outside the country.
Contact your local or Tribal health department if you have specific concerns about hantaviruses or Andes virus.
For more information about hantavirus and prevention tips, visit the ADHS Hantavirus website.
