Andes hantavirus on cruise ship raises alarms as person to person spread becomes possible

A rare strain can spread between people

A hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has left three people dead and five others ill. Health officials say the culprit is the rare Andes strain, detected in South America, notable for potential person to person spread—unlike most hantaviruses. Experts stress public risk remains low, but the virus can worsen quickly, making early care vital.