Kansas health officials monitoring three people exposed to Andes hantavirus

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is monitoring three Kansas residents who had high-risk exposure to a person with confirmed Andes hantavirus after international contact with an individual from the MV Hondius cruise ship, where an outbreak occurred. The three individuals are not currently symptomatic and were not on the cruise ship themselves. As of May 13, 2026, there are no suspected or confirmed cases in Kansas, and health officials assess public risk as extremely low. The Andes virus spreads person-to-person through prolonged close contact with symptomatic individuals and can cause fatal hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, with symptoms appearing 4-42 days after exposure and no specific treatment available.

Kansas exposure monitoring

• ▪The Kansas Department of Health and Environment assesses the risk to the public from Andes hantavirus as extremely low as of May 13, 2026
• ▪There are no suspected or confirmed cases of hantavirus in Kansas as of May 13, 2026
• ▪The three Kansas individuals being monitored are not currently experiencing any symptoms
• ▪The three Kansas individuals being monitored were not on the MV Hondius cruise ship
• ▪The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is monitoring the individuals in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the local health department
• ▪The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is monitoring three Kansas individuals with a high-risk exposure to a person with confirmed Andes hantavirus

Andes hantavirus transmission

• ▪CDC guidance says high-risk exposure to Andes hantavirus could include prolonged close contact or shared living space with a symptomatic individual, or close proximity during travel
• ▪A person with Andes virus is not considered infectious and able to spread the virus to others until they begin to develop symptoms
• ▪The Andes virus is known to spread from person to person in situations involving close, prolonged contact with a person who is exhibiting symptoms of the disease

MV Hondius cruise outbreak

• ▪The exposure of the three Kansas individuals occurred internationally after contact with an individual from the MV Hondius cruise ship, who later tested positive for Andes hantavirus
• ▪An outbreak of Andes virus occurred on the MV Hondius cruise ship

Hantavirus infection symptoms

• ▪Symptoms of Andes virus infection typically begin 4-42 days after exposure
• ▪Early symptoms of Andes virus infection can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• ▪Several days after the onset of initial symptoms, people with Andes virus can develop a severe illness that affects the lungs called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, causing cough, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, which can be fatal

Hantavirus treatment options

• ▪Care for Andes hantavirus infection focuses on supporting the individual through the illness
• ▪There is no specific treatment available for Andes hantavirus infection